A fabulous family story
A fabulous family story
QUEBEC'S (VERY FIRST) WINE PRODUCER
In 1957, the Geloso family embarked on an extraordinary journey. Vincenzo Geloso made a momentous decision, leaving Italy to establish roots in Montreal with his wife and children. The Geloso Group has always been a genuine family endeavor. In 1961, Vincenzo secured a loan from the Bank of Nova Scotia to pursue his passion for winemaking, importing grapes for the ethnic communities so people could make their own home-made wines. This laid the foundation for his own company, Ruviano. It proved to be a bold and pivotal move.
Fast forward to 1965, when the Quebec Alcohol Board bestowed the Group with a remarkable honor - the very first wine manufacturer's permit. It was a true testament to our dedication and innovation, bearing the badge of distinction: permit number 001!
In 1973, Vincenzo took on the formidable task of establishing a sizable 40,000 sq. ft. factory in Laval with the aim of producing up to 350,000 cases of wine annually. Demonstrating his visionary approach, he led the development of cutting-edge closed-tank (Charmat) technology for sparkling wine production and also delved into the world of aperitifs.
In 1978, we introduced our portfolio into C-Store and grocery; the start of a new era for the family. Through years of unwavering commitment, the Geloso Wine House, later known as the International Wine Company, built a reputation for offering a distinguished selection of high-quality wines sourced from esteemed vineyards across various wine-producing countries. Brands we crafted and created in the 1990s have become extremely popular and have experienced double-digit growth.
In 1993, the Geloso Group achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first in Canada to distribute imported beers in supermarkets and convenience stores. This ground-breaking move was followed by the successful introduction of their flagship beer, Old Milwaukee, which saw remarkable sales growth, reaching over 6 million cases by the year 2000.
Venturing into the late 1990s, the Geloso Group made strides in creating a new category known as malt-based cocktails. These pre-mixed beverages sold in convenience and grocery stores, garnered widespread attention. In 2002, the Group achieved another triumph with the nationwide launch of Poppers Hard Ice, solidifying their position as leaders in creative malt-based cocktails. Continuing their pursuit of innovation, the early 2010s saw the Geloso Group's successful entry into the cider market with the introduction of their first canned cider cocktail (Cidre Beaupré).
Presently, the Geloso Group stands as a prominent company, employing over 500 talented individuals across Canada, the U.S. and Europe dedicated to the creation, production, sale and distribution of all of its proprietary and partner brands. Our five largest labels in North America: Clubtails, Johny Bootlegger, Bulles de Nuit, Poppers and Pepito Sangria enjoy over 20 years of customer enjoyment and brand notoriety.
If you're seeking a reliable and innovative partner in the beverage industry, the Geloso Group is your destination. With a rich family heritage, a pioneering spirit and a commitment to excellence, we’re thrilled at the prospect of partnering with like-minded businesses to reach new heights together!
