Australian Liquor Marketers (ALM) has announced its Owned and Exclusive Brands portfolio has been rebranded as Independent Beverage Partners (IBP).

IBP will use the existing ALM supply chain and grow its private label portfolio in the independent liquor network. The General Manager of IBP is Murray Riemann, who has been with ALM for 10 years and managed the acquisition of the Kollaras & Co private label portfolio last year. James Somerset is Brand and Portfolio Manager, Nevil Shah is Sourcing and Compliance Manager, Georgia Kollaras is Senior Marketing Manager and Chani Madhurangi is Demand and Supply Planner.

Riemann said: “IBP has been designed to address a large market opportunity across wines, beers, and spirits with the mandate to partner with top wineries, breweries and distilleries in Australia and around the globe, to provide shoppers and retailers with enjoyable, multi-award-winning products that guarantee exceptional benefits across the entire value chain.”

Liquor CEO Chris Baddock noted in June 2020 that the acquisition of the Kollaras Trading’s private label portfolio was a key accelerator of the company’s private label growth strategy.

“The acquisition of the Kollaras Trading Company branded business in Australia and New Zealand includes the ownership of brands such as Two Truths and Seahorse Bay, plus taking on the exclusive supply of imported brands such as Mr Boston Bourbon and Molly’s Irish Cream,” Baddock said. 

“This acquisition is consistent with ALM’s purpose to champion successful Independents, which includes a strong focus on growing private label; ensuring that ALM has full control over this portfolio, which offers consumers great quality and value as well as growing margin for our retail partners.”

Kollaras, who moved with the brands to ALM said that it was “very exciting times ahead” as Owned and Exclusive Brands evolved into IBP.

“It has been a wonderful journey so far, as we continue to build traction with a multi-award winning portfolio of brands,” she concluded.

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