New Zealand's Mission estate eyes UK growth

By Gemma McKenna

Published: 05 August, 2014

New Zealand's Mission Estate is targeting UK growth in the independent and on-trade sectors with the appointment of its first UK business development manager.

After quadrupling sales here in the past five years, the group is now looking to "dramatically expand" its UK market share.

Giles James Mission Estate is looking to ramp up its UK market shareThe New Zealand producer Mission Estate is on a mission to boost UK sales through targeting the independent retail and on-trade sectors. To this effect, it has recruited Giles James as business development manager.

Giles James joins Mission Estate from Yealands Estate, where he oversaw sales in the UK and Ireland. Prior to that he held prestige sales and on-trade management roles at Bibendum and Corney & Barrow.

James will work closely with the producer's UK distributor, Cockburn & Campbell, to accelerate sales growth across the independent and regional wholesale sectors.

Mission Estate is looking to grow its UK market share

Mission Estate chief executive Peter Holley said: "The UK is one of the most competitive and mature wine markets in the world, and since 2009 our sales here have quadrupled. Giles's appointment is an enormously exciting and significant milestone as it gives us the opportunity to dramatically expand our UK business and continue to build on this strong growth."

James added: "Mission Estate's winning combination of heritage, innovation and range diversity - through their interests in regions from Central Otago to the Awatere Valley and the famous Gimblett Gravels - offers the independent retail and on-trade markets exceptional depth, scope and value."

Mission Estate, which claims to be the oldest winery in New Zealand, was founded by French missionaries in 1851 in Hawke's Bay. Head winemaker Paul Mooney has been making wines at at the estate for 35 years, and the group has a four tier portfolio: Estate, Vineyard Selection, Reserve and Jewelstone. It also has a flagship limited edition wine - Mission Huchet Syrah.

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