Makro strengthens wine team

Published: 12 January, 2012

Makro is strengthening its in-store sommelier team with a raft of new appointments across the country.

Nicola Lake, head of talent at the 30-store wholesaler, said in the past year the firm has changed from having beers, wines and spirits sales managers to having one sommelier in each outlet.

Lake said the team of sommeliers is predominantly focused on helping customers in-store. "The role of the sommelier has changed significantly. They now work with our customers' businesses to advise on wine menus, profit that can be made from each bottle, recommendations for wines that go with different foods, for all budgets, and work closely with our other fresh departments."

The team of sommeliers now also go out to visit businesses with Makro's territory sales and key account managers.

For the last two years Makro has been focused on developing its wine strategy to cater for its diverse customer base. With this in mind it has developed its own brand wine range which now include over 130 products, in addition to its branded wine.

"Wine is hugely important for us, given our core of customers from the hotel, restaurant and catering sector. We're seeing sales growth ahead of the market," added Lake.

Printer friendly version