Lion has invested in a Sydney-based coffee company to help accelerate its growth in hot beverages.
It has taken a minority stake in Schibello Coffee, which owns the brands Schibello, Arte Caffé, Cleanskin, Paddington Fine Tea, and Chocoloco hot chocolate.
Schibello Coffee will continue to operate independently under the leadership of founders Ross Schinella and Anthony Sorbello, with Lion’s investment providing the capital necessary to speed up growth.
Lion CEO Stuart Irvine said he looked forward to growing the brands in the growing hot beverages category.
"We realise the synergies the group has with Lion’s alcohol, dairy and juice businesses,” he said.
Lion has been transparent about its strategy to make strategic investments in related growth businesses in the food and beverage sector.
The latest move follows recent similar investments in Ordermentum, Barcats, Made By Cow, and Good Buzz.
Schibello Coffee supplies close to 2000 customers nationwide.
