Importer Insight: Seckford Agencies

By Chris Wilson

Published: 01 July, 2019

Seckford was founded in 1999 by Pippa Woods to highlight the brilliant wines of the new world. Twenty years on the importer now works with almost 50 producers from across the new world, with Australia, New Zealand and South Africa being particular strongholds.

Its focus in the UK is on the off-trade and as a company it’s a big supporter of the SITT tastings. We caught up with marketing and events manager Julie Maitland to find out more about Seckford and why in particular SITT works so well for them.

How long have you been exhibiting at SITT?

“From day one in 2005, and we have never missed one yet! It is important for Seckford Agencies, as it is the only tasting event where we can be certain to meet independent wine merchants and wholesalers so it is ideal to target our presentation each season to those customers. Attendees can have confidence that all wines on show are ideal for their customers.”

What do you most enjoy about the event?

“We meet many established customers at SITT, and can show them new wines in a cost and time effective way. It is an ideal way to meet new customers too, and we enjoy the two-city format which encourages many northern merchants, who we rarely meet at London-based events, to come and taste.”

What have you got planned for the Autumn tastings?

“The upcoming SITT Autumn tasting is really exciting for us as we have three winery representatives attending; two from Australia - Duncan Lloyd winemaker from Coriole (McLaren Vale) and Duncan MacDonald GM from Thorn Clarke (Barossa/Eden Valley) - and also Nicholas Bureau, GM from Glenelly in Stellenbosch, SA. We will be offering their wines at incentive pricing in both cities. We will also be highlighting new winery Greystone, organic wines from North Canterbury, NZ of exceptional quality.

Any top tips for newcomers?

“SITT is busy and focussed and you need to have all the ‘stories’ behind your wines to hand to help merchants to sell these premium wines successfully to their customers. We always bring lots of team members to ensure everyone attending on the day gets the right level of attention.”

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