Off-Piste signs exclusive distribution deal for Hilltop Wines

By Lisa Riley

Published: 31 October, 2018

Off-Piste has signed a UK distribution deal for Hungarian producer Hilltop Wines.

The deal, which takes place with immediate effect, includes Off-Piste taking on distribution of the Eastern European winery's portfolio across the off-trade on an exclusive basis.

In addition, the partnership would provide Off-Piste Wines with a “great opportunity to use its wine blending skills and brand building creativity” to develop new products for UK consumer, said the wine importer, which launched Most Wanted in 2015.

Located in the Neszmély region overlooking the Danube river on the border with Slovakia, Hilltop produces mainly white wines from both local and international grapes.

“We plan to focus initially on international white varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio which Hungary does so well, but will also be looking at what the opportunities are for local Hungarian grapes such Irsai Oliver, Furmint and Leanyka,” said sourcing director Clem Yates MW.

The increased interest in wines from Eastern Europe had opened up a “huge potential” for Off-Piste, she added.

The relationship between the two companies goes back to the 1990s when Off-Piste Wines’ chairman Jerry Lockspeiser, previously owner of Bottle Green, imported Hilltop wines on an exclusive basis for the UK off-trade.

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