New UK managing director for Sogrape

By Mathew Lyons

Published: 02 February, 2016

Portuguese wine producer Sogrape has appointed Gonçalo Sousa Machado as its new managing director in the UK.

Machado joined Sogrape in 2001 and has worked in a range of roles, most recently overseeing Sogrape's on-trade business in Portugal.

Machado succeeds Matt Douglas, who will leave the company in March after four years at the helm.

Rolando Borges Martins, a director of Sogrape, said: "We are delighted Gonçalo is taking the helm in the UK and we are confident of continued growth and success for our brands in one of Sogrape's largest and most important markets.

"We would also like to thank Matt Douglas for his commitment and contribution to Sogrape UK over the past four years."

Sogrape UK was formerly known as Stevens Garnier, which Sogrape took over in 2011 and rebranded as Sogrape UK last year.

Last year, the company added Boisset's Ropiteau Frères brand to its portfolio, and saw significant development of its Sandeman and Casa Ferreirinha brands.

Other key brands for the business include Mateus, Mouton Cadet and McWilliams.

Portuguese wines have been gaining in recognition and stature in recent years, and sales reached £34 million in the UK in 2014 - around 15% of total exports.

Sales of Portuguese reds were up 11.7% in value in 2014, and whites up 12.9%, according to data from Nielsen. Volumes grew 11.8% and 55.5% respectively.

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