New Zealand's Ara Wines moves to Bibendum PLB

By Gemma McKenna

Published: 18 February, 2015

Bibendum PLB has signed a deal as the exclusive UK distributor of Marlborough's Ara Wines - formerly supplied via Negociants UK.

Ara Wines have been available in the UK market since 2011, but the group wants to broaden its UK distribution to cover regional and national on-trade, specialist off-trade, and multiples market.

Ara Ara’s range of wines will now be available through Bibendum PLBThe New Zealand winery previously distributed its wines to the UK market thorugh Negociants UK.

The single vineyard estate is located in the cooler upper Wairau, producing wines which it says are "typically more restrained, complex and mineral" but with all the hallmarks of a classic Marlborough wine.

The range is made up of several different tiers; Ara Pathway, Ara Single Estate, Ara Select Blocks and Ara Resolute, which all come from different blocks of the same single vineyard.

Christine Pears, Ara's chief executive, said: "The future is bright for Ara as we look to continue our strong growth in the regional and national on-trade, specialist off-trade, and grocery channels. Aligning our commitment to the UK market with the strengths and resources of Bibendum PLB to make that happen is exciting."

Michael Saunders, chief executive of Bibendum PLB, added: "The fact that Ara Wines has chosen to work with Bibendum PLB is testament to the breadth and scale of the group's capabilities. We see working with such a great quality and strong brand as a huge opportunity for us and we are very much looking forward to developing and building Ara's position in the UK market place."

Printer friendly version