NECTAR IMPORTS acquired by C&C GROUP

Announced in September 2026, CC Group acquired the Nector Imports wholesale business from Asahi, marking the Japanese brewer's exit from the United Kingdom's on‑premise and off‑premise beverage distribution channel. The transaction transfers ownership of Nector Imports' portfolio of more than 150 non‑alcoholic and low‑alcohol brands, including the flagship Nector line, the sparkling water range SparkleUp, and the functional beverage portfolio VitalBoost, to CC Group's existing distribution platform. By integrating these brands, CC Group adds approximately 200,000 cases of annual volume to its UK network and gains access to Nector Imports' established relationships with major retail chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury’s and the convenience‑store operator SPAR. The acquisition also brings Nector Imports' regional warehousing facilities in Birmingham and Manchester under CC Group's logistics umbrella, enabling a consolidated supply‑chain footprint across the Midlands and North of England. CC Group, which already operates the distribution arms of brands like Fever-Tree and Red Bull in the UK, said the deal aligns with its strategy to broaden its non‑alcoholic beverage offering and to deepen market penetration in the fast‑growing health‑conscious segment. The purchase was financed through a combination of CC Group's cash reserves and a senior loan facility arranged by Barclays, while Asahi retained a minority stake in the combined entity to facilitate a smooth transition of supplier contracts. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2026, subject to customary regulatory approvals.