ILLVA SARONNO HOLDING S.p.A. ACQUIRES 20% OF DISTILLERIA ARTIGIANALE ALBEDO S.r.l. STRENGTHENING ITS POSITION IN THE WORLD OF WHISKY

ILLVA SARONNO HOLDING S.p.A. ACQUIRES 20% OF DISTILLERIA ARTIGIANALE ALBEDO S.r.l. STRENGTHENING ITS POSITION IN THE WORLD OF WHISKY

Illva Saronno Holding S.p.A. and Railroad Brewing Company S.r.l. (“RBC”), the sole shareholder of Albedo S.r.l., announce the successful increase in the share capital of Albedo S.r.l., through which Illva Saronno Holding has become the owner of a 20% stake in Albedo S.r.l.

Albedo S.r.l. is a craft distillery, branded Strada Ferrata, founded in Seregno (MB) in 2019, specializing in the production of Italian-made whisky, with its first release expected by the end of 2024.

The agreement between Illva and RBC will support and expedite the development and expansion of the Strada Ferrata project, providing the necessary technical, commercial, and financial resources to establish the company as a key player in the emerging movement of Italian whisky producers.

Illva stands out in the global whisky landscape due to its deep commitment and extraordinary expertise demonstrated through The Busker, a prestigious Irish whiskey produced at the Royal Oak Distillery in Carlow, Ireland, and Sagamore Spirits, a refined American rye whiskey recently acquired, based in the historic city of Baltimore. Both brands boast an award-winning product portfolio, reflecting the high-quality standard that Illva maintains in its production. On the one hand, the latest medals received at the 2024 World Whiskies Award, the “Gold” and “Double Gold” medals that The Busker collected in 2023 at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and the New York International Spirits Competition, respectively, and the Best Buy and 94-point recognition from Wine Enthusiast for The Busker Triple Cask Triple Smooth. On the other hand, Sagamore Spirits earned the title of “Best Rye Whiskey in the World” at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The company’s commitment to the world of whisky extends to India through the joint venture Modi Illva India, in collaboration with Modi Group. Modi Illva India is already a well-established name in the Indian market, particularly in the Premium Whisky category with the launch of “The Rockford Reserve” and later with “Rockford Classic”.

This geographical diversification and Illva Saronno’s ability to create successful brands reflect its leadership position and constant commitment to enhancing the whisky consumer experience worldwide.

“We are excited to support innovative projects by young entrepreneurs, such as Strada Ferrata, actively collaborating in international initiatives while simultaneously strengthening our portfolio with a company and products in which we fully believe.” – said Aldino Marzorati, Illva Saronno Holding CEO – “We want to be the catalyst for fresh and ambitious ideas, helping to build a successful future.”

Aldino Marzorati, Illva Saronno Holding CEO

Aldino Marzorati, CEO of Illva Saronno Holding S.p.A., and Tommaso Colombo, Chairman of the Board of Directors of RBC, toast the conclusion of this operation, which sees Strada Ferrata as a pioneer and leader in the development of the new movement of Italian whisky producers in the wake of the broader trend of new international whiskies produced in non-traditional countries (the so-called “New World Whisky”), emphasizing the quality and elegance typical of Made in Italy products.