Seckford Agencies toasts sales growth

By Gemma McKenna

Published: 12 September, 2014

Seckford Agencies has seen sales grow by 10 to 15% in the past year, says director David Cartwright.

Cartwright, former sales director at HWcG and PLB, said the firm's "pioneering" spirit helped drive growth. Two thirds of its sales are to independents and the on-trade, with multiple retailers such as M&S, Booths and Waitrose accounting for the rest.

Seckford Agencies Seckford Agencies sees strong growthMainly indie supplier Seckford Agencies, has seen a sales increase of 10-15% in the past year.

The company's strong South African portfolio is frequently lauded. "There is still a lot to talk about from Stellenbosch. South Africa's fine wines are great value for money at over £10," said Cartwright. Seckford lists icon winery Rustenburg, as well as five other Stellenbosch wineries.

Seckford is a New World specialist, and stocks wines from over 19 different South African estates, as well as 13 Australian wineries, six from New Zealand, two Chilean, one from Argentina - O Fournier and one from the US - California's Scotto.

International Wine Challenge Specialist Merchant of the Year, South Africa 2014

Seckford, which supplies over 300 independent wine merchants in the UK, is focused on what independents want. "We come to them with products they want and won't find in major supermarkets," Cartwright said.

He stressed that Seckford prides itself on its close relationships with suppliers. "We don't have hundreds, but we know them individually and give the personal touch to each," he added.

Plans for the upcoming year include a greater focus on seasonality, especially around gifting. The firm lists Darling Cellars Chocoholic brand, which Cartwright said would work perfectly for Valentine's Day.

Seckford Agencies was started by Pippa Woods in 1999. Cartwright joined the firm in April 2013, and now owns a 10% stake in the business, with Woods retaining the other 90%.

Seckford Agencies won the International Wine Challenge 2014's South African Specialist Merchant of the Year Trophy jointly with Handford Wines of London, earlier this year.