The much-anticipated merger between Bestheim and Wolfberger, two of Alsace’s largest cooperative wineries, has officially been abandoned.
Initially announced in January 2024 and expected to be finalized in 2025, the merger aimed to consolidate resources, increase global competitiveness, and strengthen the overall presence of Alsatian wines on international markets.
However, in a joint press release issued in October 2024, both cooperatives confirmed that the project would not move forward, citing “structural and organizational conditions” that made the merger impractical under current circumstances.
“The Boards of Directors of Bestheim and Wolfberger jointly announce the decision to terminate the merger process initiated in January 2024 and will not submit their proposal to Extraordinary General Meetings as initially planned,” the statement read.
Both wineries emphasized that the decision does not stem from a lack of shared vision. On the contrary, they noted “shared values and a common vision for the development of Alsatian wines” throughout their discussions. The obstacle, it seems, was operational rather than strategic — a challenge often encountered in large-scale cooperative consolidations.
A Potential Giant That Never Was
The merger would have united over 625 winegrowers and a combined vineyard area of 2,650 hectares, creating one of the most powerful cooperative entities in France.
- Bestheim, based in Bennwihr, represents 325 winegrowers cultivating 1,400 hectares and sells over 12 million bottles annually, half of which are Crémant d’Alsace.
- Wolfberger, headquartered in Eguisheim, counts 300 members managing 1,250 hectares and achieved EUR 60 million in revenue across 50 countries in 2023.
Together, they could have represented a turnover exceeding €100 million, consolidating Alsace’s position in a highly competitive sparkling and still wine landscape.
Strategic Context and Broader Implications
This decision comes at a time when cooperative mergers are increasingly common in France’s wine regions as producers seek greater efficiency, export leverage, and resilience in the face of global economic headwinds.
The Alsace region, renowned for its Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Crémant d’Alsace, has faced growing competition from international white and sparkling wines. A unified Bestheim-Wolfberger entity could have reinforced marketing power, improved distribution networks, and boosted the global image of Alsatian wines.
Yet, the structural complexities of merging two major cooperatives — each with its own governance, grower members, brand identity, and logistical systems — proved too great.
Independent Paths Ahead
Despite the end of merger talks, both entities reaffirmed their commitment to regional cooperation and the vitality of the Alsatian vineyard.
“The two structures therefore continue their independent trajectories, fully committed to the vitality of the Alsatian vineyard and to the future of regional cooperation,” said Pierre-Olivier Baffrey, President of Bestheim, and Jean-Philippe Haag, President of Wolfberger.
As Alsace continues to navigate a changing global wine market, the decision highlights the delicate balance between regional identity, cooperative independence, and market competitiveness. While the merger’s collapse may delay consolidation within the region, it underscores the resilience of Alsace’s cooperative model — one deeply rooted in community, tradition, and shared excellence.
Source: La Revue du Vin de France