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Campari Group has agreed to sell its Averna and Zedda Piras liqueurs to Italian spirits group Illva Saronno, owner of the Disaronno brand.

The €100 million deal comes as part of ongoing efforts from Campari Group to streamline its portfolio and focus on its core brands. This aims to reduce business complexity and support financial deleverage.

Expected to complete during the first half of 2026, the transaction includes Campari’s production plants for Averna in Caltanissetta, Sicily, and for Zedda Piras in Alghero, Sardinia. The two companies will enter into a transitional manufacturing agreement in Italy for blending and bottling of Amaro Averna in Campari’s Canale production site.

A transitional distribution agreement will also see Campari continue to distribute Amaro Averna and Zedda Piras products in certain markets, such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland, initially before transferring to Illva Saronno’s commercial network.

In addition to the renowned amaretto liqueur Disaronno, Illva Saronno owns historic Sicilian wine brands Florio and Duca di Salaparuta, among others.

Sicilian amaro liqueur Averna was created in 1868 and acquired by Campari Group in 2014, though its acquisition of the brand’s previous owner Fratelli Averna. Italy remains Amaro Averna’s primary market, accounting for around 30% of net sales, followed by Germany, the US and Austria.

Zedda Piras was acquired by Campari in 2002 as part of its acquisition of Sella&Mosca. The brand was founded in the 19th century and is regarded a key contributor in the popularisation of myrtle liqueur across Italy, where most of its sales are concentrated.

In the 12 months ended 30 September 2025, net sales of Averna and Zedda Piras amounted to €26 million.

Simon Hunt, CEO of Campari Group, said: “We are very pleased to execute this transaction with Illva Saronno, a strong player in the alcoholic beverages market and the best possible fit for the future development of these brands, especially given their long-standing history of working with Sicilian brands.”

Illva Saronno’s CEO, Marco Ferrari, commented: “The acquisition of Averna and Zedda Piras is another step towards strengthening our role as a global spirits player. With their recognised quality and heritage, the two brands are a great addition to our international portfolio and will significantly reinforce our position in three of our priority markets – US, Germany and Italy.”

As part of Campari’s streamlining strategy, the group announced the disposal of its Australian production facility and co-packing business in March, and of the Cinzano brand in June.

In October, through Dioniso Group (its 50/50 joint venture with Moët Hennessy) it also announced the sale of Tannico to a private industry player. Tannico is an Italian e-commerce platform for wine and spirits. Total proceeds from these divestments, including this latest sale of Averna and Zedda Piras, are more than €210 million in total.

Top image: © Amaro Averna