Berlin Packaging acquires Verrerie du Comtat to secure glass packaging grip in France

03 Jun 2022 --- Berlin Packaging is acquiring Verrerie du Comtat, a supplier of glass packaging for the French wine and olive oil end markets, to ensure its position in the French F&B segments.

“This  acquisition strengthens our strategic positioning in the wine and olive oil markets, mainly in the ‘Vallée du Rhône’ region. We will ensure the continuity of the company’s activities with the current Verrerie du Comtat team and offer new opportunities to customers and suppliers,” says Eric Citone, CEO of Berlin Packaging France.

“We will continue expanding our wine and olive oil business with the acquisition of Verrerie du Comtat. The company has strong relationships with its customers and suppliers that we look forward to growing,” says Paolo Recrosio, CEO of Berlin Packaging Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).  

Located in Sorgues, France, in the heart of the Côtes du Rhône vineyards, Verrerie du Comtat supplies glass bottles, jars, corks and packaging accessories to local wine and food producers.

“We believe there is significant opportunity in France for the F&B end markets,” says Berlin Packaging global CEO and president Hayes. “There is significant opportunity in France for the F&B end markets and we are pleased this family-owned business has chosen to partner with Berlin Packaging,” says Bill Hayes, global CEO and president of Berlin Packaging.

This is the 21st acquisition the hybrid packaging supplier has completed in EMEA since 2016 and the second acquisition in EMEA in 2022.

Berlin Packaging says all employees and locations for this acquisition will be retained.

Other glass packaging news
Also in France, Coca-Cola Europacific partners revealed plans to distribute all of its packaged beverages to hotels, restaurants and cafes in returnable glass bottles by the end of 2022. The move will make it the first non-alcoholic beverage supplier to distribute 100% of its packaging using a deposit system. 

Meanwhile, the German Brewers’ Association (GBA) has warned there could be a shortage of beer bottles this summer amid rising production costs and a lack of lorry drivers. PackagingInsights spoke with Nina Göllinger, the GBA’s press officer, about the shortages and possible underlying issues.

By Natalie Schwertheim