Accolade Wines is to boost its portfolio of New Zealand wines.
The wine company has acquired two brands, Mud House and Waipara Hills, from New Zealand-based company Mud House Wine Group for an undisclosed sum.
Paul Schaafsma, general manager of Accolade Wines UK & Ireland, said the move would round off the company’s New World portfolio and “significantly” strengthen the New Zealand portfolio in the UK and Ireland.
“It will give us even stronger leverage and greater flexibility to meet the needs of the buyers in the retail and on-trade sectors,” he said.
The acquisition also includes the Dusky Sounds, Haymaker and Skyleaf brands, and covers key regions such as Marlborough, Central Otage and the Waipara Valley, the company said.
Mud House Wine Group chairman Bob Major said Accolade’s extensive international sales networks and its experience marketing New World wines would enable Mud House to grow production and sales faster and more cost efficiently.
The Mud House New Zealand team will now report to Accolade’s general manager for Australia and New Zealand Michael East, with grower contracts retained under existing terms and conditions. However, it is understood that the vineyards have been sold to a Hong Kong-based company, CK Life Sciences, and these will be leased back to Accolade.
“New Zealand wine is respected and sought after around the world and we see this as a fantastic opportunity to further increase the sales, marketing and distribution of the Mud House and Waipara Hills brands in particular,” Michael East said.
Accolade’s portfolio already includes New Zealand brands KaTu, Nobilo and Kim Crawford.
Two of Waipara Hills wines are stocked in Sainsbury’s, with one also available at Tesco.
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