English vineyard Hambledon strikes distribution deal to help 1m bottle sales target
English sparkling wine producer Hambledon Vineyard has taken its first steps towards building sales to one million bottles per year by signing an exclusive distribution agreement with Fields, Morris & Verdin in the UK.
English sparkling wine producer Hambledon Vineyard has taken its first steps towards building sales to one million bottles per year by signing an exclusive distribution agreement with Fields, Morris & Verdin in the UK.
The brand is targeting sales of one million bottles annually within the next 10 years, with two-thirds of the sales being exported. The distribution agreement is a critical piece for Hambledon to reach its ambitious targets here in the UK, says the firm.
Duchess of CornwallIan Kellett, founder of Hambledon Vineyard, and the Duchess of Cornwall at the opening of the new winery at Hambledon Vineyard in 2013.
Hambledon's founder and managing director Ian Kelllett told harpers.co.uk that the distribution agreement with FMV was a perfect fit, as both have deep roots in the English wine trade.
"We're delighted to be partnering with the team from Field, Morris & Verdin, who have a long history of working with top quality, terroir-focused wineries from across the world.The Hambledon brand sits perfectly within their stable and we look forward to helping them develop strong relationships for us," said Kellett.
By playing on the historical significance of Hambledon, which is the birthplace of cricket, Kellett is setting his sights on exporting to major cricket loving nations such as India, Australia and Hong Kong. "England is the birthplace of cricket and we are an English brand, it seems like a reasonable place to start," said Kellett.
In order to increase production, Kellett, whose background was in finance in London prior to purchasing the estate in 1999, invested nearly £10 million over the last 10 years in the vineyards and building England's first ever gravity-fed winery. Additionally, Hambledon took over the Meon Hill estate recently to ramp up production as well. He is hoping the newly-acquired property will help double his production levels to 200,000 bottles annually by next year.
Kellett's timing could not be better as the popularity and quality of English sprakling wines is on the rise. "English sparkling wine is getting better because we are playing to our strengths. There are very few areas in the world that are as similar to the Champagne region and we have got it. It is a gift," said Kellett.
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