CHANGES AT MENTZENDORFF

Published: 23 July, 2008

By Christian Davis

Mentzendorff managing director Bill Page has announced plans for re-structuring the company, which see marketing director Nick Adams MW and finance director David Shephard both leaving. Page said: We have had a few challenging years, but they are now firmly behind us and our newly-defined strategy will be executed in a determined and planned way in the months and years ahead. We have sometimes tried to be all things to all men, but our future must now be about greater focus on our premium quality brands - all of which are capable of being driven further forward into the marketplace.' Adams leaves at the end of March to pursue other business interests', while Shephard has decided to return to his own consultancy activities and will leave at the end of February. Marketing managers Anthony Mills and Jonathan Stevens will now report to Page. Page reports that Bollinger has just enjoyed its best ever year in the UK and is now the third most widely distributed Champagne brand in the off-trade. Taylor and Fonseca Ports have posted significant distribution gains' and the Taylor Group's acquisition of the Croft and Delaforce brands provides new opportunities to grow Mentzendorff's share of the Port sector. A major drive into the premium Australian sector is already underway, in partnership with the Petaluma Group and under its new Distinguished Vineyards' banner. Within the portfolio are Petaluma itself (South Australia), Knappstein (Clare Valley), Mitchelton (Central Victoria), Stonier (Mornington Peninsula) and Smithbrook (Pemberton, Western Australia). There will be one or two additions to the portfolio this year,' said Page, but these will be carefully selected and must be in line with our other high quality agencies.' A new sales post has been established within the regional sales team for the Northern Home Counties and recruitment is currently underway.

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