Castel Group

[2] Starting with a wine merchant business in Bordeaux, the company steadily expanded in size and scope.

[5] In 2022, French anti-terrorism prosecutors opened an investigation into allegations of potential complicity in war crimes made against Groupe Castel in the Central African Republic (CAR), citing deals to provide armed militia UPC with cash and vehicle support in order to secure regional market position.

It expanded its wine offering by buying its main competitor, Société des Vins de France, from Pernod Ricard in 1992.

The company has a number of well branded wines such as Baron de Lestac, Roche Mazet, Vieux Papes and La Villageoise.

[10] In 2007, at 750,000 cases (9 million bottles), Baron de Lestac was the third most selling Bordeaux brand behind Mouton Cadet and Castel's Malesan, and the fastest-growing.

[12] In 1994 Castel added La Société de Limonaderies et Brasseries d'Afrique (SOLIBRA) that is focused on soft drinks.

A promotional sconce for Castel Beer, the company's core beer product