Compañía Cervecerías Unidas (CCU), a Chilean producer of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, also operating in the food sector with operations in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Peru announced on Friday a strategic alliance with French multinational food-products corporation Danone S.A.
The strategic alliance provides for CCU Argentina to acquire "a significant minority interest" in Aguas Danone de Argentina.”It will allow both companies to enrich their beverage offerings and strengthen their operations in the South American country,” the companies said in a statement.
Aguas Danone de Argentinaoperates two mineral water production plants in Argentina, the Mendoza Plant, which is known for its Villavicencio brand, and the Chascomús Plant, with its Villa del Sur brand.
“The strategic alliance announced today provides Danone with a highly regarded partner in the region, and our agreement is an important step that strengthens both companies in a highly competitive market. Danone has a history of partnerships in Argentina and we are proud that Aguas Danone de Argentina joins CCU to better serve Argentine consumers," said Agustin Mostany, General Manager Aguas Danone de Argentina.
For its part, Compañía Cervecerías Unidas stated: “We are proud to announce this alliance with Aguas Danone from Argentina. It represents the opportunity to enter a new beverage category in the country and jointly promote the development of brands such as Villavicencio, Villa del Sur, Levité and Ser, among others. It will generate greater dynamism in the water industry with a stronger value proposition for all consumers”.
