Ginebra San Miguel

Ginebra San Miguel, Inc. (GSMI) (PSE: GSMI) is a Philippines-based diversified beverage company majority-owned by San Miguel Corporation, previously named La Tondeña Distillers, Inc. (LTDI) (1987 to 2003). It was founded as La Tondeña, Inc. in 1902 by Carlos Palanca, Sr. It manufactures a range of distilled beverages.

As of 2012, its flagship product, Ginebra San Miguel, is the largest-selling gin in the world, with sales of 23.8 million 9-litre cases, according to Drinks International.^[1]

History

La Tondeña was established in 1902 by Carlos Palanca, Sr. in Tondo, Manila ^[2] and incorporated as La Tondeña, Inc. in 1929. The company name was inspired from its location. The distillery pioneered the production of alcohol derived from molasses, instead of the commonly used nipa palm. In 1924, it acquired the Ayala Distillery (Destileria y Licoreria de Ayala y Compañia) and its gin product, Ginebra San Miguel, from Ayala y Compañia (precursor of Ayala Corporation). In 1955, the company acquired Añejo Rhum from Tabacalera (Compañia de Filipinas). In 1957, it acquired the trademark rights to Kulafu to launch Vino Kulafu Chinese herbal wine.^[3]

On 10 July 1987, San Miguel Corporation acquired a 70% stake in La Tondeña, Inc. (LTI) from the Palanca family and renamed it La Tondeña Distillers, Inc. (LTDI). In 1995, LTDI was listed in the Philippine Stock Exchange.

In 2003, LTDI was renamed Ginebra San Miguel, Inc. (GSMI) after its flagship product.

On 1 November 2008, GSMI acquired the assets of San Miguel Beverages, Inc. (SMBI), which was engaged in the manufacture and distribution of non-alcoholic beverages (Magnolia Fruit Drink, Magnolia Healthtea, Magnolia PureWater and Berri Juice).^[4] In a December 5, 2014 discolsure to the PSE, GSMI intended to sell its non-alcoholic beverage assets to San Miguel Brewery, Inc.^{[5] [6]} The transaction was completed in April 1, 2015.^{[7] [8]}

Ginebra San Miguel (product) history

In June 1834, Casa Róxas (a partnership between Domingo Róxas and Antonio de Ayala), the precursor of Ayala Corporation, founded a distillery named Destileria y Licoreria de Ayala y Compañia. It produced a variety of drinks including anis, anisette, cognac, rum, whisky and its trademark gin, Ginebra San Miguel. The distillery, which was located in Quiapo, Manila, was a major business of Ayala y Compañia (successor of Casa Róxas) until it was acquired by LTI on 21 June 1924.^[9]

The "marca demonio" product label of Ginebra San Miguel still in use today was designed by Fernando Amorsolo in the early 1900s.^[10]

Products

GSMI has received eight Quality Awards (five golds and three silvers) at the 2012 World Quality Selections, organized yearly by Monde Selection. Three of the brands have also earned the Monde Selection’s International High Quality Trophy, granted to products achieving Grand Gold or Gold Awards for three consecutive years.^[11]

Sports teams

• Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (PBA)

References

External links

• Ginebra San Miguel, Inc.
• San Miguel Corporation