Carmela Wine Division in Fraser Acquired by Imperial Beverage Co. in Kalamazoo
Posted By: DBUSINESS on May 22, 2025. For more information, please click here to read the source article.
Imperial Beverage Co. in Kalamazoo, a family-owned, statewide beer and wine distributor, has purchased the Fraser-based Carmela Wine Division, effective June 2. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The acquisition expands Imperial Beverage’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,” says 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 Fraser, will remain a separate, stand-alone entity, while the wine team will join Imperial Beverage 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,” says Tony Tocco, founder and president 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 says. “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 Co. was established in 1933 after the repeal of prohibition and purchased by Kalamazoo’s Cekola family in 1984. It 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.
« Back to Insights