Funds from father and a friend with a shared vision. Does it sound like the story of a modern-day start-up? Perhaps, but this story and company started in 1884 and, by the 1920s, had evolved to become one of the biggest companies of its kind in Europe. It endured despite two world wars, economic crises and geo-political turbulence that involved the seizure and nationalisation of assets. This is the 140-year story of Stock Spirits, a company whose more than 70 brands are sold in over 50 countries around the world.
On arrival in Trieste, Lionello Stock saw a world of opportunities … a concentration of capital, business and financial institutions, trade routes, and the possibility to connect and learn from entrepreneurs as part of a flourishing business community. The middle class was becoming more affluent and consumption was rising. Fashion became accessible to the masses and people sought luxury goods, such as coffee, chocolate and liqueurs. Lionello was there in the right place at the right time to address these evolving needs, but he still needed a spark of inspiration.
The birth of an idea and a business
Walking through the port of Trieste one day, Lionello observed ships being loaded with barrels destined for the French Cognac region, a place renowned then and now for its production of cognac. France had been suffering a shortage caused by the destruction of European vines by the phylloxera aphid. The shortage lasted more than three decades and affected the production of wine and wine distillates in France, triggering a need for imported products such as Dalmatian wine and locally produced barrels. Lionello Stock contemplated this turn of events and concluded that – if local wines could be exported to create French cognac – there was no reason not to distil such products locally. This chain of events and thought inspired Stock to pursue his dream and set up his own business. Equipped with 2,000 Florins borrowed from his father, Lionello joined forces with his friend Veronese Carlo Camise and their business adventure began.
On 26 December 1884, production commenced at the Distilleria a vapore Camis & Stock. Its flagship product was Cognac Stock Medicinal, with the indication ‘Medicinal’ included – as per the Codex Alimentarius Austriacus – to highlight the product’s unique properties and perceived health benefits. The middle classes – including women – enjoyed the ‘medicinal’ association of the product, giving consumers an excuse to enjoy the tipple without fear of criticism from the more conservative elements of society .
Historic challenges on the road to development
During the early part of the 1900s, Lionello Stock proved himself to be a visionary and outstanding businessman. His ideas and products were perfectly in tune with the rapid socio-economic changes taking place in the world and his company’s products were soon enjoying success far beyond Trieste and the boundaries of the Austro-Hungarian empire. The company soon became one of the biggest of its kind in Europe. In 1935, the Cognac Stock Medicinal brand was joined by 1884 Cognac Fine Champagne, which was subsequently renamed Brandy Stock 84 in 1955 and continues to be sold today.
After the war, the high customs duties and taxes introduced after the fall of the Austro-Hungarian Empire made it logical to open local production plants in countries like Austria, Czechoslovakia , Hungary and Yugoslavia. Stock also recognised that a changing world brought new opportunities, as he led the creation of new distilleries and offices in Egypt, Palestine, the USA and Brazil.
The Second World War significantly disrupted the growth of the Stock company and, though it survived the conflict, it lost one of its largest production plants, in the Czech Republic, to the nationalisation movement enacted by the communist government.
Lionello Stock died childless in 1948, leaving the company and his legacy to be continued by his family and future generations.
A new generation. A new start.
On 27 December 1949, the company changed its name to Stock S.p.A. and resumed the dynamic growth and development that had been interrupted by the outbreak of war. The company embraced the emerging mass-media formats of radio and television to develop modern marketing strategies and advertising campaigns. The company flourished in this ‘boom’ period, entering new markets, expanding its product portfolio, increasing its production capacity, all while retaining control of the entire production process – from the vines right to the finished product, with a relentless focus on achieving the highest quality possible.
Changes, new opportunities and dynamic development
In the decades that followed the immediate post-war period, the Stock company underwent many significant changes.
In May 1995, Stock Italia and its Austrian and Czech subsidiaries were acquired by the German company Eckes A.G. The resulting company, Eckes & Stock GmbH, became one of the leading producers and distributors of spirits in Europe and remained so until its acquisition by the American investment fund Oaktree Capital Management in 2007.
In 2008, Eckes & Stock GmbH merged with the Polish producer Polmos Lublin to create the Stock Spirits Group. The headquarters of the Stock Spirits Group were established in London and, in 2009, efforts to re-structure the company commenced.
In 2012, production was moved from Trieste to the Czech Republic and, in 2013, the company was listed on the London Stock Exchange. Since November 2021, Stock Spirits Group has been part of the portfolio of companies owned by the private equity company CVC Capital Partners and de-listed from the LSE. In August and September 2023, Stock Spirits Group completed the acquisitions of Polmos Bielsko-Biała in Poland, Borco (now Stock Spirits GmbH, the owner of the iconic Sierra Tequila brand and Finsbury gin brand) in Germany, as well as the Dugas company and Clan Campbell Scotch blended whisky brand, both in France.
Strong local brands on major European markets
Stock celebrates the 140th anniversary of its creation in 2024. Since 1884, the company has prided itself on having strong local brands on several European markets. The products are created with respect for local traditions and heritage, using the best ingredients, and artisan craft while blending it with innovations – all for the benefit of consumers.
Today, the Stock Spirits Group portfolio consists of more than 80 brands sold in over 50 countries worldwide. The leading brands are Stock 84, Żołądkowa Gorzka, Amundsen, Milhill’s, Božkov, Fernet Stock, Republica, Limonce’, Keglevich, Grappa Distillerie Franciacorta, Grappa Julia, Clan Campbell and Sierra Tequila.
Stock Spirits Group operates in nine European countries: Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Croatia and Bosnia & Herzegovina. The company employs more than 1,800 people and has production facilities in Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Italy and France.
To celebrate the 140th anniversary of the company, a commemorative logo has been created and is available to download.
