The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Amatil (CCA) have joined forces to buy a significant stake in innovative Melbourne beverage startup MADE Group.
The two companies have announced they will acquire 45 per cent of the business which was founded thirteen years ago by three schoolmates Luke Marget, Matt Dennis and Brad Wilson.
The founders created Australia’s first range of infused waters, called NutrientWater and then rolled out its Impressed-brand cold-pressed juices, Rokeby Farms protein smoothies and Cocobella coconut water.
MADE operates its own manufacturing and packaging facility, which includes a $6m high-pressure processing (HPP) system, and also has a substantial in-house distribution network, which will now be helped along by its new shareholders.
“Our aim is to bring the MADE range of products to an even wider audience through our expertise and reach in distribution,” Coca-Cola Amatil group managing director said Alison Watkins said.
“There’ll be no changes to the flavours or ingredients. Made Group co-founders Luke Marget and Matt Dennis will stay on in charge of the business and keep doing what they love – developing and producing a fantastic food and beverage range.”
MADE Group co-founder Luke Marget said the company had established a strong culture of innovation, and its ability to move quickly and tap into emerging health trends has been a key driver for its success.
“We will continue to run the business with the same great people making the same products in the same way. What we will now be able to do is introduce our products to more people both locally and abroad.”
Vamsi Mohan, President of Coca-Cola Australia, said that the investment is an example of how Coca-Cola is transforming into a total beverage company. “We are always looking to offer the new beverages that Australians want,” he said.
Two weeks ago the Coca-Cola Company acquired Organic & Raw Trading Co, an Aussie company that that makes the MOJO kombucha brand.
