MILNE MOVES TO PLB

Published: 23 July, 2008

International Wine Services' (IWS) former director of winemaking, Kym Milne MW, has joined PLB as its wine consultant, based in Australia. Milne, 44, spent 10 years at the head of IWS's winemaking team, following spells as chief winemaker and export director at New Zealand's Villa Maria. He left the UK for Australia last year, departing from IWS at the same time as Alastair Maling MW. He worked for IWS as its Australia-based consultant before being wooed by PLB (formerly Private Liquor Brands). Milne's role as PLB's man in Australia will involve overseeing and managing the complete Australian portfolio as well as identifying new areas of commercial opportunity' for the company. PLB's managing director, Bruce Barraclough, commented: Kym is a very welcome addition to our team and we know our business will benefit from his experience and knowledge. We have spent the past 12 months or so really building up our Australian offering, and can now deliver at all price points.' PLB represents six wineries in Australia, including Tandou Wines in Monash; Xanadu in Margaret River; Rymill in Coonawarra; Sefarino in McLaren Vale; and the newly launched Billygoat brand from Chiverty winery in Cowra. The hiring of the high-profile Milne is PLB's latest move in its long-running strategy to move away from its private label past and into the branded wine business.

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