US vintner Bronco Wine Co. has returned management of a production facility in Santa Rosa, California to drinks solutions and equipment provider BevZero.
The move follows Bronco Wine’s purchase of “key assets” from Wine Hooligans last month at an auction, which had initially included BevZero’s production site in Santa Rosa.
Go deeper with GlobalData
In a recent statement, Bronco Wine said it had intended to incorporate the management of the facility into its operational framework.
Following further assessment however, both companies concluded BevZero was “best suited to oversee the facility’s future growth and success”.
Founded in 1991, BevZero develops a range of equipment and services for the alcoholic drinks industry, specialising in dealcoholisation and no-alcohol or low-alcohol solutions.
The move will “enhance operational efficiencies and focus on the long-term success of the facility”, Bronco Wine said.
The group added that the transition allows it “to remain focused on its core business of winemaking”, while BevZero will continue to offer “high-quality services” to wine, beer, and spirits partners.
Bronco Wine Co. president and CEO Dominic Engels, who was appointed in November, said: “As we continue to strengthen our position as a leader in the beverage industry, we recognise the importance of focusing on what we do best – producing outstanding wines.
“We are confident that BevZero’s management of the Santa Rosa facility will ensure its continued success and create exciting new opportunities for its employees and customers.”
Besides California, BevZero has facilities in Villatobas, Spain and Wellington, South Africa.
“We are eager to build upon the strong foundation that has been established and to create a collaborative environment where our team, partners, and customers can thrive,” a spokesperson for BevZero said.
Bronco Wine, based in Ceres, California, has held a majority stake in Wine Hooligans since 2023.
The deal, announced last month, gave it full control of brands such as Portlandia, Shortbread, Broadside, and the alcohol-removed Sea Monster.
It also included the takeover of Wine Hooligans’ production site, also located in Santa Rosa. Bronco Wine told Just Drinks it still owns this facility.
In its statement, the winemaker said both BevZero and Bronco Wine would work together during the transition to provide “ongoing support” for employees and customers.
