Carlsberg Britvic launches officially as acquisition deal completes

Carlsberg Britvic is celebrating its official launch today (17) following the completion of the deal for Carlsberg Group to acquire Britvic plc.

In a landmark moment in the history of Carlsberg Group and the British drinks industry, today (17) marks the official launch of Carlsberg Britvic – the new company uniting Carlsberg Marston’s Brewing Company (CMBC) and Britvic’s UK business.

Carlsberg Britvic’s strong national footprint brings together CMBC’s breweries and leading in-house secondary logistics operation – with 15 depots servicing customers across the UK – with the dynamic packaging and production capabilities of Britvic.

The business is now the largest multi-beverage supplier in the UK, making the UK Carlsberg Group’s largest market by revenue in the world.

Across soft drinks, beer, and cider, Carlsberg Britvic is home to many iconic and popular brands. Its compelling soft drinks range includes well-known names such as Pepsi MAX, 7UP, Tango, Robinsons, J2O and Fruit Shoot, through to fast-growing breakthrough brands including the plant-powered Plenish range and Jimmy’s Iced Coffee.

These leading soft drinks brands will now sit alongside the Group’s flagship Carlsberg Danish Pilsner, as well as 1664, Birrificio Angelo Poretti and Brooklyn Brewery beers, as well as leading British ales such as Hobgoblin, Pedigree and Wainwright.

Paul Davies, formerly CEO of Carlsberg Marston Brewing Company, will take up the position as CEO of the newly formed Carlsberg Britvic in the United Kingdom, effective 17 January 2025.

Davies said, “This is a historic moment for everyone across our unique combined multi beverage business, I am immensely proud to have the opportunity to lead this new company, featuring so many iconic brands and so many dedicated and talented people.

"As we look to the future together, Carlsberg Britvic will demonstrate the important values that underpin our dedication to our customers, our consumers, our people and our planet.

“Carlsberg Britvic combines the fantastic qualities of both businesses and our shared ambition to grow the UK beverage category through our unique proposition across soft drinks, beer and cider.

"We are all eager to build a successful future together as we create new opportunities, integrate our operations and continue to deliver excellent choice, product quality and service to our customers.

“On behalf of everyone at Carlsberg Britvic, I would like to thank all those whose effort, commitment and passion have made today possible.”

Davies began his Carlsberg career in Marketing with Carlsberg UK in 2007 and has subsequently held the positions of VP Marketing and VP Sales for Carlsberg Sweden, and VP Craft & Speciality for Carlsberg Group in Copenhagen.

In January 2019 he was appointed Managing Director of Carlsberg Poland, where he was also Chairman of the Polish Brewers Association.

Davies is supported in his role by the new Carlsberg Britvic Executive team.

The new company will combine the strong shared values of CMBC and Britvic, maintaining ambitious targets in areas such as sustainability and equity, diversity and inclusion, while also delivering the highest standards of customer service and quality.

Accompanying the official launch, Carlsberg Britvic will be revealing its new corporate identity next week, which will be rolled out across the business as part of the integration of its operations in the UK.