Coca Cola HBC has announced that it will acquire Finlandia vodka from Brown-Foreman for $220 million. It is another step in the blurring of lines between alcoholic and non-alcohol brands as companies in both segments look to expand their shelf space presence.
Coca-Cola HBC, also known as Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company, is the world’s third-largest Coca-Cola anchor bottler and is headquartered in Switzerland. Finlandia is one of the leading vodkas in Central and Eastern Europe.
Although the acquisition only impacts European markets, it may be a precursor to additional Coke deals as the company expands into the alcohol sector.
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