510 acquisitions in 2012

The bevblog.net food and drink mergers and acquisitions database, for which full searchable access is available through a link on the right hand side of this page, recorded a total of 510 transactions in 2012, a 9.4% increase on the 466 noted in 2011.

• Alcohol – 101 were in alcohol, down from 108 in 2011. The number specifically in wine was up 26% to 34, in beer down 43% to 26, in spirits down 8% to 23 and in cider up 100% to 4.

• Packaging – 92 were in packaging and equipment, a rise of 61% on the 57 in 2011.

• Soft drinks – 83 were in soft drinks, 9% less than the 91 in 2011. Of these, 22 were in water coolers, over 5 times the number in 2011. 7 were in bottled water and 6 in fruit juice, both substantially less than in 2011.

• Ingredients – 61 were in ingredients, an increase of 45% on the 42 in 2011.

• Dairy – 49 were in dairy, 4% lower than the 51 in 2011.

• Hot drinks – 17 were in hot drinks, 31% more than the 13 in 2011.