Campari in Russia move
Italian drinks group Campari is strengthening its presence in the fast-growing Russian market as it expects the Japan crisis to impact trading in Asia this year. Campari, which has acquired 16 brands in the past 15 years, said it would complete the acquisition of Moscow-based distributor Vasco CIS in 2012 for a total investment of €8.2m (£7.1m). Campari said it expects Russia to double its proportion of the group’s sales to four per cent in 2012. The group has a portfolio of over 40 spirit, wine and soft drink brands.