Szentkirályi and Mattoni Will Distribute Almdudler in 2027
The beverage partnership will expand across Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia starting January 1.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Organic Food
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Beginning January 1, 2027, Szentkirályi Magyarország will assume distribution of the herbal soda Almdudler in Hungary. Simultaneously, Mattoni 1873 will manage production and distribution for the brand in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Why it matters
Almdudler selected the partners for their regional market expertise and shared commitment to long-term brand tradition. This strategic shift aims to leverage established sales networks to grow the presence of the alpine-herb beverage.
Almdudler is formulated with a blend of 32 Alpine herbs, including gentian, elderflower, echinacea, sage, and lemon balm. The product will be distributed in returnable glass bottles, PET bottles, and cans.
The players
Almdudler
An Austrian beverage brand known for its soda made from a signature blend of alpine herbs.
Szentkirályi Magyarország
A beverage company based in Hungary that currently produces Pepsi products and distributes brands like Lipton.
Mattoni 1873
A central European beverage firm with a long-standing partnership with PepsiCo and a diverse soft drink portfolio.
Erwin Klein
The original founder who established Almdudler as a family business in the 1950s.
The details
The transition will shift Almdudler into the direct sales networks managed by Szentkirályi Magyarország and Mattoni 1873. Currently, Szentkirályi distributes brands like Lipton and Schweppes while producing Pepsi products, and Mattoni 1873 maintains a portfolio that includes 7UP, Dr Pepper, and Mountain Dew.
Timeline
October 1957 marks when founder Erwin Klein presented the first bottle of Almdudler.
Existing distributors will continue deliveries through the end of 2026.
The new distribution agreements take effect on January 1, 2027.
Culture Shift
The transition reflects a broader movement toward the consolidation of regional distribution networks within the Central European beverage market. This alignment allows heritage brands to leverage the scale of larger regional producers to maintain consistency in a competitive landscape.
Consumers in the affected regions should expect consistency in the availability of Almdudler as the brand shifts to new regional sales networks. The move ensures the continued presence of the herbal soda in retail channels through established glass and PET bottling infrastructures.
The takeaway
This partnership highlights the ongoing efforts of legacy brands to remain relevant by securing stable, large-scale distribution partners. Consumers can anticipate that the signature recipe will remain unchanged despite the backend logistics transition.
What happens next
The transition of all distribution and production operations across Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia is scheduled to take place on January 1, 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about industry trends in the Organic Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Budapest Business Journal.
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