ZICO Coconut Water founder reacquires brand

PowerPlant Ventures announced that the fund has acquired ZICO coconut water from The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta. PowerPlant Ventures, a growth equity investor, was co-founded and is co-led by Mark Rampolla, who is the brand visionary behind ZICO, which he founded in 2004 and sold to The Coca-Cola Co. in 2013. Terms were not disclosed.

“We are incredibly proud of the results we achieved growing ZICO when it was a part of the Coca-Cola family of brands and wish PowerPlant Ventures continued success as they take the ZICO brand on a new journey,” said Manolo Arroyo, global chief marketing officer of The Coca-Cola Co., in a statement.

The new company, named ZICO Rising, Long Beach, Calif., will be a homecoming for ZICO under the PowerPlant Ventures’ portfolio, as well as a new beginning for the beverage brand. Powerplant has enlisted industry veterans Thomas Hicks and Alan George to lead the brand as chief executive officer and chief financial officer, respectively. Hicks and George have long-standing, impressive track records, with the pair having worked together to advance both Naked Juice and Monster Energy’s Natural Division.

“I respect the decision of Coca-Cola to focus on other elements of their beverage business,” Rampolla said. “I still have a lot of love for ZICO, and I know consumers do too. We are thrilled to acquire the company and thankful for the support from Coca-Cola.” BI

Chris Pledger was named chief financial officer at Westrock Coffee Co. LLC, Little Rock, Ark. He succeeds John Ebner, who retired from the company in October 2020. Since Westrock’s acquisition of S&D Coffee & Tea in February 2020, Pledger has served as group president-international, chief legal officer and head of corporate development. Prior to his current role, Pledger served as general counsel and chief development officer of Westrock Coffee Co. since October 2013, and as president of Westrock Coffee International since November 2017.

E. & J. Gallo completes acquisition
of 30-plus wine brands

E. & J. Gallo Winery (Gallo), Modesto, Calif., has completed the acquisition of more than 30 wine brands from Constellation Brands Inc., Victor, N.Y. The closing of the agreement between Gallo and Constellation was approved by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Dec. 23, 2020.

The acquisition includes wine brands such as Arbor Mist, Black Box, Clos du Bois, Estancia, Franciscan, Hogue, Manischewitz, Mark West, Ravenswood, Taylor, Vendange and Wild Horse that will join the Gallo portfolio. With this acquisition, Gallo will expand its operational footprint with the addition of five wineries located in California, Washington and New York, along with Constellation's Polyphenolics business. Gallo also will acquire the Nobilo New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc brand in a separate transaction with Constellation.

"The closing of this transaction represents our company's long-term commitment to the wine industry," said Chief Executive Officer Ernest J. Gallo in a statement. "We are pleased to welcome the new employees joining the Gallo family."

Pursuant to the FTC consent order, Gallo will also divest two of its legacy dessert brands, Fairbanks and Sheffield, to Precept Brands LLC. Terms of the transaction between Gallo and Precept were not disclosed. BI

O'Neill Vintners & Distillers acquires Rabble Wines

O'Neill Vintners & Distillers, Paso Robles, Calif., announced the acquisition of Rabble Wines, also in Paso Robles, Calif. Founded by longtime Paso Robles vineyard manager Rob Murray in 2010, Rabble Wines produces premium Paso Robles AVA wines with disruptive labels born from wines' struggle with Mother Nature, it says. The acquisition signals another investment by O'Neill Vintners & Distillers in the burgeoning market for younger wine drinkers.

"Moving Rabble into the O'Neill portfolio is a great win for our consumer and for the brand," Murray said in a statement. "I know Rabble will continue to provide authenticity and adventure under the leadership of visionary entrepreneur Jeff O'Neill. I am enormously proud of what we built with Rabble and am excited about turning my focus toward Tooth & Nail Wine Co., which promises to continue disrupting the stodgier aspects of the wine world."

Jeff O'Neill, chief executive officer of O'Neill Vintners & Distillers, will carry on the quality and spirit of Rabble Wines made from Paso Robles AVA fruit in its own Paso Robles winery facility, focusing on the core tier of Rabble Cabernet Sauvignon, Rabble Zinfandel, Rabble Red Blend and Rabble Rosé. These wines offer the augmented reality experience that Rabble Wines are renowned for, the company adds. Details of the purchase were not disclosed. BI

Boston-based Drizly announced that its on-demand delivery service now is available in Atlanta. The expansion follows the recent legalization of online alcohol sales and delivery in Georgia. Drizly goes live in Atlanta after forming partnerships with some of the city's best-known adult beverage retailers, making delivery in fewer than 60 minutes available to the 4.4 million adults of legal-drinking age within the city and surrounding suburbs, the company says.