23/06/2026 19:32 - Economia
On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Molinos Río de la Plata—one of Argentina's largest food conglomerates—announced it has reached an agreement to acquire Bodega Etchart from French spirits giant Pernod Ricard Argentina. While financial details were not disclosed, industry analysts view this as a pivotal moment for the country's wine export sector.
Agustín Llanos, CEO of Molinos, emphasized the strategic importance: "The incorporation of Bodega Etchart represents a new step in the development of our Fincas & Bodegas platform. We deeply believe in the potential of Argentine wine and in building brands with identity, quality, and international projection."
Founded in 1902, Molinos is Argentina's leading food company, producing iconic brands like Matarazzo (olive oil and tomato products) and Granja del Sol (frozen foods). The company is controlled by the Perez Companc family, one of Argentina's wealthiest business dynasties, known for their strategic investments across energy, agribusiness, and consumer goods.
Established in 1850, Etchart is synonymous with high-altitude winemaking. Located in Cafayate, Salta—approximately 1,700 meters (5,600 feet) above sea level—the winery produces distinctive Torrontés and Malbec wines that capture the unique terroir of Argentina's northwest. The region's intense sunlight and dramatic temperature swings create wines with exceptional aromatic intensity.
With Etchart's addition, Molinos now controls an impressive collection of Argentine wineries spanning multiple regions:
| Winery | Region |
|---|---|
| Nieto Senetiner | Mendoza |
| Ruca Malen | Mendoza |
| Cadus | Mendoza |
| Viña Cobos (stake) | Mendoza |
| Bodega Etchart | Cafayate, Salta |
Mendoza accounts for approximately 70% of Argentina's wine production, while Salta's Calchaquí Valleys represent the premium high-altitude segment.
The Calchaquí Valleys are home to some of the world's highest commercial vineyards, with elevations ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 meters above sea level. This unique geography offers several advantages:
These factors create wines with distinctive character that command premium prices in international markets, particularly in the United States, United Kingdom, and Nordic countries.
The Etchart acquisition comes just days after Molinos announced its purchase of NotCo Foods' operations in Argentina and Uruguay—a Chilean food tech company known for its plant-based alternatives using artificial intelligence for product development. This move positions Molinos in the rapidly growing plant-based food segment.
Furthermore, according to Argentine business daily Ámbito, Molinos has also expressed interest in acquiring Grupo Ayudín, a household products company controlling brands like Ayudín (cleaning products), Poett (laundry), Trenet, and Mortimer. The asset, currently owned by private equity firm Apex Capital, has attracted multiple bidders in the consumer goods sector.
Argentine wine exports have experienced remarkable growth, with energy-related exports growing 167% year-over-year and projections for 2026 reaching USD 11 billion. This context makes premium wine producers like Etchart particularly valuable for companies seeking international market share.
The transaction remains subject to standard regulatory approvals and closing conditions. For international wine enthusiasts, this consolidation signals exciting possibilities: greater investment in Etchart's historic properties, expanded distribution channels through Molinos' global network, and potentially new premium expressions showcasing Salta's unique terroir.
For the Perez Companc family, this represents another bold step in transforming Molinos from a traditional food company into a diversified consumer goods powerhouse—with wine playing an increasingly central role in their international strategy.
Source: Ámbito Negocios
Alfredo S. Quiroga
