Up to 20 UK wine and spirit suppliers will have products distributed in the US for the first time via a new deal between The British Bottle Company and Vine Street Imports of New Jersey.
The first drinks to launch will be a total of 12 sparkling wines from Digby Fine English, Hush Heath Estate, Bolney Wine Estate and Camel Valley, as well as gins by Pinkster and Boxer. They are expected to be followed by further brands from The British Bottle Company’s 20-strong portfolio of suppliers later this year.
The cross-Atlantic partnership between the distributors follows recent news that UK booze exports to the States reached a record high in 2015, with sparkling wine and gin giving strong performances. The UK’s wine producers have pledged a 10-fold increase in overall exports by 2020, and drinks experts claim a renewed love of all things British is continuing to drive sales among Americans.
The British Bottle Company’s CEO Red Johnson said his business had spent almost two years planning an entry into the US market.
“In Vine Street we have a dynamic partner with a real enthusiasm for our brands and a fantastic network throughout the States,” he added. As the world’s thirst for British drinks continues to grow, we are looking forward to developing the US market as a substantial part of our business in the coming years.”
The deal marks “a significant milestone” claimed Julia Trustram-Eve, marketing director of trade body English Wine Producers. “As the reputation of English wine attracts ever more global attention, the US is clearly a priority market for exports,” she said.
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