Anheuser-Busch acquires remaining stake in Babe Wine
Under its affiliate ZX Ventures, Anheuser-Busch’s partnership with the New York canned wine company began last year when it acquired a minority stake.
Babe Wine was launched as Swish Beverages in 2016, seeking to create a brand that ‘simplifies the saturated wine category by introducing a fun, inclusive and portable product to consumers,’ claiming to now be one of the most photographed wines on Instagram. It was founded by Instagram influencer Josh Ostrovsky (known by his handle 'The Fat Jewish') and brothers David Oliver Cohen and Tanner Cohen.
“Since joining the Anheuser-Busch family, distribution of Babe Wine’s popular Rosé, Pinot Grigio and Red wine has increased dramatically, offering more consumers in more locations the opportunity to enjoy the portable and photogenic pop culture phenomenon,” says Anheuser-Busch.
“We’re looking forward to taking this partnership to the next level and using our distribution capabilities to share Babe’s great portfolio with more consumers around the country.”
Babe falls under Anheuser-Busch’s ‘Beyond Beer’ umbrella alongside brands like Cutwater Spirits, which it acquired earlier this year, and Drinkworks and Bon & Viv Spiked Seltzer. Babe Wine has three varietals - Rosé, Pinot Grigio and Red wine – and is currently sold in 27 states.