Italian food company Compagnia del Gusto Holding has acquired Jascots Wine Merchants from Freixenet Copestick, it was announced this morning.
Compagnia del Gusto Holding will assume responsibility for the administrative and sales teams of Jascots through its UK subsidiary, CDGH UK.
The Italian holding company is not only a newcomer to the UK retail market but also a relatively new company.
Founded by the Cosulich family in 2025, its main activity is the investment and development of SME food & beverage brands, focusing on “iconic brands and high-value-added niches”. Its Italian holding company comprises three operational divisions: the Compagnia del Mare, presiding over its seafood and artisanal specialties division; its wine division, Compagnia delle Vigne; and its regional food division, Compagnia dei Sapori which ranges from pasta to condiments, baked goods and artisanal desserts.
It has already signalled its ambition to grow its turnover to €200 million in turnover in five years, according to Italian news outlet Il Sole 24 ORE.
The acquisition marks a significant new chapter for Jascots, the company said, which would supports the scale of ambition and future potential within the business. In addition to continuing the merchants extensive international portfolio in the on-trade, the new owners also plan to leverage its own network to bring its Italian wine and food portfolio to the UK market, as part of a strategic partnership between Compangnia del Gusto and Jascots, to strengthen their premium wine distribution capabilities across the UK on-trade sector.
Partner Content
Freixenet Copestick and Compagnia del Gusto Holding will continue to work closely together, ensuring continuity for customers and maintaining the strong connection between Jascots and key premium brands including Bolney Wine Estate, Champagne Alfred Gratien and Schloss Johannisberg, the company confirmed. As part of the transaction, colleagues whose roles are dedicated to the Jascots business will transition to the new company, with a clear focus on ensuring continuity and supporting them responsibly throughout the process.
Milestone
Omar Raafat, head of Jascots, called it an exciting milestone for Jascots which “reflects our ambition to keep investing in our business, our customers, and our future — something that’s exciting for both myself and the team to be part of.”
Ettore Nicoletto, CEO of Compagnia del Gusto Holding, said the deal was also a key milestone in the Group’s international growth strategy. “The UK is a strategic market for premium Italian wines and with Jascots we gain a solid distribution platform, an experienced team and deep expertise in the on-trade. We look forward to bringing the best of our Italian portfolio to such a prestigious customer base.”
Freixenet Copestick rescued the well-respected merchant and wine supplier, which was founded in 1986, from administrators back in December 2020 following a very challenging year due to Covid-19. When the first lockdown was announced in March, Jascot said it sales went from 85% of its normal business to zero within a matter of days as the on-trade shuts its doors, and although it swiftly diversified into direct to consumer and independent off-trade, the market conditions had proved “insurmountable”.
Damian Clarke, managing director of Freixenet Copestick & CSO of Henkell Freixenet said the team were “proud of what has been achieved with Jascots Wine Merchants” and said the acquisition would “further strengthen Jascots position in the UK On-Trade market.”
Related news
Jascots prepares for portfolio tasting at The View
Jascots celebrates bumper 2022 with revenues up 84%
