DROUHIN LEAVES MENTZENDORFF

Published: 23 July, 2008

A mutual decision

The Burgundian ngociant Maison Joseph Drouhin has announced that, as of 1 January 2002, its wines will no longer be distributed by Mentzendorff & Co. The decision is a "mutual one, and results from the desire of both parties to implement different marketing strategies," according to Drouhin brand ambassador, Jonathan Lyddon. Harpers understands that the decision is unrelated to Mentzendorff shareholder Bollinger's acquisition of Chanson Pre et Fils in 1999. At the time of going to press, no announcement had been made regarding the future distribution of the brand, but Mentzendorff will ensure that all orders are honoured until the end of this year. Mentzendorff has confirmed that it will also lose the agency for Matua Valley in the short-to-medium term, following Beringer/Blass's recent acquisition of the New Zealand winery. The Drouhin decision reflects "our increasing focus on our shareholder brands," Mentzendorff marketing director Nick Adams MW told Harpers.

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