The Keepers wine and spirits group, owned by billionaire Lucio Co, is all set to fully acquire Booze Online in a move that will see it controlling the largest distributor of imported beers in the Philippines. Keepers hopes to boost its portfolio of premium beer brands, as it enters the booming beer market in the Philippines.
Some of the more than 100 beer brands distributed by Booze Online include Hoegaarden, Stella Artois, Becks, Leffe, Paulaner, Chimay, and Delirium Tremenes. The online retailer also stocks premium spirits brands such as Johnny Walker, Hennessy, Bacardi, Chivas Regal, Jack Daniels, Baileys, Absolut, Rémy Martin, Jose Cuervo, Captain Morgan, Martell, The Glenlivet, and Grey Goose.
Once the acquisition, estimated to be valued at Pesos 160 million (US$2.7 million), is approved by the regulatory agency, Booze Online will join The Keeper’s existing family of companies which comprise of Montosco, Meritus Prime Distributions, and Premier Wine and Spirits, making it a major drinks player in the Philippines.
Beer consumption in the Philippines is expected to increase to 3.8 billion litres by 2027 from 2.6 billion litres in 2023, according to Statista. While local brewer San Miguel dominates the market, the country has seen growing demand for imported beers in recent years.
Keepers is also the country’s biggest importer of wine, brandy and hard liquor with a 75% market share. Keepers saw strong financial result for the first 9 months of 2024, with its revenue jumped 15% to Pesos 11.7 billion (US$198.5 million). Its revenue growth was principally driven by Alfonso, the leading imported brandy in the market.
