THE EXTRAORDINARY STORY OF LIONELLO STOCK AND 140 YEARS OF STOCK SPIRITS

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 80 brands are sold in over 50 countries around the world.

On arrival in Trieste, Lionello Stock saw a world of opportunities … capital, business and financial institutions. 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.

The birth of an idea and a business
One day, in the port of Trieste, Lionello observed ships being loaded with barrels destined for the French Cognac region. France had been suffering a shortage caused by the destruction of vines by the phylloxera aphid. The shortage lasted over three decades and affected the production of wine and wine distillates in France, triggering a need for imported products such as Dalmatian wine. Lionello Stock concluded that there was no reason not to distil such products as cognac locally. Stock set up his own business joining forces with his friend Veronese Carlo Camise.

On 26 December 1884, production commenced at the Distilleria a vapore Camis & Stock. Its flagship product was Cognac Stock Medicinal, the indication ‘Medicinal’ – as per the Codex Alimentarius Austriacus  – highlighted the product's 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 1900s, Lionello Stock proved himself to be a visionary and outstanding businessman. His ideas and products were perfectly in tune with the rapid global socio-economic changes and soon were enjoying success far beyond Trieste and the boundaries of the Austro-Hungarian empire. The company 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 8 in 1955 and continues to be sold today.

After the First World War, Lionello opened plants in Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and Yugoslavia as well as in Egypt, Palestine, the USA and Brazil. The Second World War significantly disrupted its growth.

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. It 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.

Changes, new opportunities and dynamic development
In the decades that followed the post-war period, the company underwent many changes.

In May 1995, Stock Spirits was acquired by the German Eckes A.G. to became Eckes & Stock GmbH,  in 2007 by the American investment fund Oaktree Capital Management. In 2008, Eckes & Stock GmbH merged with the Polish producer Polmos Lublin to create the Stock Spirits Group with the headquarters in London, from 2013 it was listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Since November 2021, company has been part of the portfolio of companies owned by the equity fund CVC Capital Partners and de-listed from the LSE. In 2023, Stock Spirits Group completed four acquisitions of Polmos Bielsko-Biała in Poland, Borco (now Stock Spirits GmbH) in Germany, Dugas company and Clan Campbell Scotch whisky brand, both in France.

Strong local brands on major European markets
Stock Spirits Group celebrates the 140th anniversary in 2024. Today, it is  one of the leading spirits producers in Central Europe, owning a comprehensive portfolio of strong local brands. The Group portfolio consists of more than 80 brands sold in over 50 countries worldwide. Group operates in nine European countries employing more than 1,800 people and has eight production facilities.

For additional information :

Beata Ptaszynska-Jedynak
Group Corporate Communications Director
[email protected]
+48 602 411 680

The extraordinary story of Lionello Stock and 140 years of Stock Spirits Group. Today, it is again one of the leading spirits producers in Central Europe, with over 80 strong local brands sold in 50+ countries. Group operates in 9 European countries and has 8 plants.
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