Southern Glazer’s Grows Distribution Network With Horizon Acquisition
Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is expanding its distribution network with the acquisition of Horizon Beverage Group, a New England-based alcohol distribution company across the wine, spirits, and beer categories.
Horizon’s operations in Massachusetts and Rhode Island will now operate as Southern Glazer’s Beverage Company, marking Southern Glazer’s presence across 47 U.S. markets in addition to operations in Canada and the Caribbean. Scott Oppenheimer, East region president, will oversee the Massachusetts and Rhode Island markets.
Also read: Southern Glazer’s Invests in AI-Fueled Robotic Warehouse Automation
Horizon distributes brands such as Heineken, Knob Creek, Eagle Rare bourbon, Bacardi, Wild Turkey, and more.
“With this acquisition, we’re combining Horizon’s deep regional expertise with Southern Glazer’s advanced technology and robust resources,” said Wayne E. Chaplin, CEO, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, in a statement. “We are excited to bring customers and suppliers enhanced tools, data insights, and service offerings that position us to meet and exceed their needs in these vital markets.”
Last year, CGT recognized Ann Dozier, SVP and chief information and technology officer at Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, as its CIO of the Year — a testament to the power of collaborative strategizing and the ability to revolutionize and upend the IT status quo with the right leader at the helm.
Alcoholic Beverage Companies Seeing Structural Changes
Southern Glazer’s joins other companies in the BevAlc category that are undergoing strategic portfolio optimizations. Constellation Brands recently divested its Svedka brand, selling to Sazerac to focus on higher-end products such as Casa Noble Tequila and High West Whiskey.
Last year, Pernod Ricard offloaded a significant portion of its portfolio of international wine brands, including those owned and produced by Pernod Ricard Winemakers. Australian Wine Holdco Limited agreed to purchase the brands.
