Mangrove expands Japanese whisky offering with Togouchi

UK spirits distributor Mangrove Global has announced the addition of whisky producer Togouchi to its portfolio. The onboarding will see Mangrove’s Japanese whisky ranks swell from two – Akashi and Yamazakura being the existing brands – to three.

North South Wines appoints new hires amid growth push

Bicester-based importer North South Wines has announced the appointment of two new team members. Holly Ninnes (pictured, left) joins in the newly created role of commercial buyer, with Mark Juggins (right) stepping in as the company’s latest head of off-trade. The new additions are part of a wider five-year growth strategy which seeks to expand the business’s commercial footprint.

Hallgarten adds Turkish winery to expanding portfolio

Specialist wine importer Hallgarten & Novum Wines, has announced the addition of the Turkish Kuzubağ Estate Winery’s full range to its portfolio. The estate was founded in 2007 by father and daughter team, Salih Kuzu and Aslı Kuzu, in Denizli which is situated in the Aegean wine region of the country.

Hatch Mansfield awarded B Corp

The premium wine importer Hatch Mansfield has been awarded the B Corp certification by B Lab, the not-for-profit behind the B Corp movement. 

Milestone Wines adds sommelier Marcello Colletti to London team

Lancashire–based importer Milestone Wines has added sommelier Marcello Colletti to its London on-trade team. The role will see Colletti head up restaurant sales within the M25.

Friday Read: Charting Armit’s InVivo-backed ambitions

The annual Armit Wines portfolio tasting (pictured) aways brings a spot of vinous glamour to the busy London tasting calendar, following on from launch events for new vintages of the likes of 2023 Guidalberto and 2022 Sassicaia at various buzzing London restaurants for the lucky few. And, in addition to such highlights from its top Italian-leaning portfolio, this year the importer launched a new initiative in the form of what was modestly described as a ‘press lunch’, where various senior editors, writers and critics gathered to for a lively debate on how best to engage a younger generation with fine wines.

Bancroft bolsters Rioja offering with Alavesa winery addition

Bodegas Javier San Pedro has been added to Bancroft Wine’s portfolio. The addition of the Rioja Alavesa producer sees Bancroft expand their Rioja range.

Cachet reinforces Georgia offer with further shipments of Solomnishvili wines

Cachet Wine has received its latest shipment of wine from Georgian winemaker Giorgi Solomnishvili (pictured). The well-respected winemaker’s cellars are situated in Telavi in the Kahketi region, Eastern Georgia’s premier wine producing region.

Jeroboams expands portfolio with wines from Chinon and Alentejo

Fine wine merchant, Jeroboams, has added two producers to its portfolio with Domaine de la Chapelle from Chinon, Loire Valley and Mouchão vineyard from the Alentejo, Portugal.

Bibendum announces slate of new appointments

The premium wine specialist, Bibendum Wine, has announced a series of new appointments in its sales and commercial teams. Leading the changes on the sales side is the appointment of Andrew Ingham as sales director, while Ntola Obazee (pictured) takes on the role of e-commerce director within Bibendum’s commercial team.

Bancroft adds first Czech winery to portfolio

Thaya, based in Moravia, Czech Republic, is the first Czech winery to be added to importer Bancroft’s portfolio.

Fells commercial team restructures in growth push

Among a suite of changes at Fells, Richard Brockett (pictured, left) has been promoted from national off-trade director to sales director for the company. The changes come in a renewed growth push at Fells for 2025 and the years ahead, as the importer seeks to a pursue new a brand development strategy, and also coincide with a reshuffle at the top of majority owner Symington Family Estates. 

Hallgarten announces exclusive Bordeaux initiative

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has announced The Cellar Series which will offer the importer’s customers in the hospitality and retail trades a range of fine and aged wines from the Bordeaux region.

Hallgarten adds Idris Elba-founded Porte Noire to portfolio

Hallgarten & Novum Wine has entered a partnership with luxury wine and Champagne brand, Porte Noire, which will see increased distribution of the brand’s wines across Hallgarten’s on and off-trade channels.

Hallgarten announces new commercial director

Hallgarten & Novum Wines has announced the appointment of Will Oatley to the role of commercial director.

Wines Unearthed announces 46-strong producer event for Wine Paris

Wines Unearthed has announced its second showing at Wine Paris, where it will be presenting wines from 16 countries. The organisation seeks to support small and medium-sized producers without representation in various markets and give them greater exposure at events such as this Paris-based trade show.

Mentzendorff adds Napa Valley icon to portfolio

Hallgarten secures full Bruce Jack Wines UK distribution

Hallgarten & Novum wines has entered an exclusive agreement with Bruce Jack Wines to take over full UK distribution of the producer’s entire range.

Top 50 Drinks Wholesalers 2024 ranking: 20-11 revealed

This week marks the unveiling of our Top 50 Drinks Wholesalers 2024 results, singling out and celebrating the best in the business when it comes to supplying wines, spirits and beers.

Holyrood celebrates international success via Dutch partnership

Edinburgh-based Holyrood Distillery has reported strong export growth as mid-year sales already exceed that of 2023 by 15% thanks to an exclusive partnership with Dutch importer and distributor High Spirits.