Kalamazoo-Based Imperial Beverage Company Acquires Carmela Wine Division, Strengthening Michigan Selection And Service

Acquisition expands distributor’s portfolio, reinforces industry-wide commitment to choice, competition, job creation

KALAMAZOO, Mich. – Imperial Beverage Company, a family-owned, statewide beer and wine distributor, is proud to announce the purchase of Carmela Wine Division, effective Monday, June 2. The acquisition expands the distributor’s portfolio by more than 1,500 products, increasing its selection of fine wines, craft beer and non-alcoholic options for customers across Michigan.

“We admire the years of dedication that Carmela Wine Division has committed to the beverage industry,” said Larry Cekola, sales strategy director at Imperial Beverage Company. “We’re honored to welcome their team to Imperial and we’re excited to move forward together as we continue to provide choice, expertise and quality brands to consumers across Michigan.”

Carmela’s Food Division, also based in Michigan, will remain a separate, stand-alone entity, while the wine team will join Imperial Beverage Company to form a dedicated division that will grow the Carmela portfolio across Michigan.

“We’ve poured a lot of heart into this wine business over the last decade,” said Tony Tocco, president and founder of Carmela Foods. “It has been an incredible journey, and we’re proud of what we’ve built. I’m excited to see this next chapter unfold under the Cekola family’s leadership at Imperial Beverage. They’re a world-class organization that shares our commitment to excellence and customer service. While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye, I know the future is bright for the team, brands and customers who have supported us along the way.”

Carmela’s delivery schedules will be integrated into Imperial’s existing statewide routes. All changes will be communicated directly to Carmela customers in advance of the go-live date on June 2 to ensure a smooth experience.

“At Imperial, our vision is to help people succeed, and we’re driven by a purpose of delivering exceptional experiences,” Cekola said. “This acquisition reinforces our commitment to building a winning team that’s energized for the future and passionate about keeping our customers’ glasses full.”

Imperial Beverage is a long-standing member of the Michigan beverage distribution community. Established in 1933 after the repeal of prohibition and purchased by Kalamazoo’s Cekola family in 1984, Imperial has grown from a one-county beer distributor to a top 10 statewide beer, wine and spirits wholesaler. With 350 employees and four locations in Kalamazoo, Livonia, Traverse City and Ishpeming, Imperial provides statewide coverage that serves every Michigan county, every week, all year long.

Imperial Beverage Company is among a thriving network of independent beer and wine distributors in Michigan that play a vital role in supporting choice and competition in the marketplace. Working with more than 2,000 alcohol producers — more than 800 of them based in Michigan — distributors ensure that retailers and consumers across the state have access to a wide range of products.

Because of beer and wine distributors’ efforts, Michiganders have access to more than 42,000 beers, 1,400 mixed spirit drinks and a selection of over 253,000 wines.