E-Malt.com News article: Spain & Italy: Brewer behind Estrella Galicia creates Italian subsidiary to step up international expansion

Corporación Hijos de Rivera, the Spanish beverage company behind Estrella Galicia, has created a subsidiary in Italy as it steps up its international expansion and seeks to strengthen sales in one of Europe’s most established beer markets, Vinetur reported on May 27.

The new company, Estrella Galicia Italia, will handle commercial development in the country and is intended to give the brewer more direct control over distribution, customer service and brand positioning. The move follows the opening of a subsidiary in the United Kingdom last year and adds another market to the group’s growing network outside Spain.

The company said the Italian operation would help accelerate growth for Estrella Galicia and its 1906 beer range, while also creating room to introduce additional products. Italy has a long beer tradition and remains a market where the Spanish brewer sees room to expand beyond its current offerings.

Francisco Ucha, general director of Corporación Hijos de Rivera, said the new subsidiary would allow the company to move faster in a market with strong potential. He said greater local presence, closer contact with customers and improved service would support growth in a country that is central to the group’s international plan.

To support that effort, the company plans to set up its own warehouses in Italy and build local teams in key regions. Those teams will work on the ground with customers and retailers, monitor how the brands are placed at points of sale and help strengthen visibility for the products.

The company also plans promotional efforts and educational initiatives aimed at building beer culture among customers and increasing awareness of its brands. Aitor de Artaza, who leads the company’s international business, said Italian consumers had responded well since Estrella Galicia first entered the market and that further investment was now needed to match demand.

He said the new subsidiary would help the company offer closer attention and better service to clients. According to the company, Estrella Galicia Italia has already been operating for several months.

With the addition of Italy, Corporación Hijos de Rivera now has nearly 10 subsidiaries outside Spain, including operations in Brazil, China, the Philippines, Mexico, the United Kingdom, the United States and Portugal.


27 May, 2026