Already well established on the island, the Mauritian group Leal will have an additional company in Reunion in July : Leal Distribution Réunion (LDR). This new entity will position itself as a leader in the spirits market with the resumption of the distribution activities of the Diageo portfolio in Reunion..
Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Gordon, Tanqueray, Captain Morgan, Bailey’s… These famous alcohol brands, and many others, are produced and marketed throughout the planet by the British group Diageo, world leader in the spirits market. In the meeting, a subsidiary of Diageo has been responsible for the distribution of the brand portfolio for twenty years. With certain success : in 2021, Diageo Réunion posted a turnover of 18 million euros, driven by the approximately 70% market share of Johnnie Walker Red whiskey. From July 1st, and subject to validation by the Competition Authority, the new company Leal Distribution Réunion headed by Philippe-Alexandre Rebboah, also general manager of Leal Réunion, will be responsible for this “Diageo card”.
The Reunion anchorage of the Leal group
The creation of LDR is part of a desire to diversify the activities of the Leal group in Reunion. Present in automobiles (BMW, Mini), In computer science (iShop) and telephony, the Leal group continues its development locally by focusing on professions already mastered by the teams established in Mauritius. As it happens, regarding the spirits market, the PNL company (subsidiary of the Leal group) has been distributing Diageo brands on the sister island for many years. In the future, Leal Distribution Réunion will therefore be able to rely on logistical support and proven know-how in Mauritius.. However, it is indeed Reunionese employment that will be favored, and even strengthened with the creation of this subsidiary. LDR's activity will rely on the networks and skills of the 19 employees currently employed by Diageo Réunion.. Certain administrative and financial functions, which had been relocated, will be repatriated to Reunion
A Mauritian group in full expansion
The Leal group was founded by Eric Leal and his family (who hold nearly 80% of the group's shares). From the automobile (63% of overall turnover) to energy, via telecommunications, IT and drug distribution, spirits and consumer goods, the group gradually diversified its activities to establish itself in Reunion Island, in Madagascar, in Africa and as far as New Caledonia and French Polynesia. Around 40% of Leal’s activities are located abroad. Share expected to increase with the creation of Leal Distribution Réunion. The group posts a turnover of 280 million euros in 2021, for a net profit of nearly 11 million euros. The company has more than 1,400 employees, around 120 in Reunion where the Mauritian group first invested in IT in 2006 with the company iShop, distributor of Apple products., then in 2013 in the automobile industry with the resumption of distribution of the BMW and Mini brands.
