Australian Vintage expands UK operations

Published: 11 September, 2008

Leading producer Australian Vintage is expanding its UK-based operations on the back of a 77 percent year-on-year sales increase of its McGuigan brand.

Leading producer Australian Vintage is expanding its UK-based operations on the back of a 77 percent year-on-year sales increase of its McGuigan brand.

Australian Vintage has added three members to its UK team - Michelle Beck, Simon McStravick and Clive Donaldson.

Beck, formerly brand manager at Thierry's and Constellation, takes on the newly created role of UK and Europe marketing manager, whilst Donaldson joins from Oddbins as national account executive. McStravick has been appointed national account manager, a position he recently held at Spanish giant United Wineries.

Paul Schaafsma, Australian Vintage European Director, said: "Our exceptional sales growth is testament to our concerted focus on delivering added value to the UK industry. We've developed market specific brands, listened to the demands of the market and delivered innovative brand building solutions such as the recent McGuigan City Vineyard.

"We've expanded our UK team to further drive this success and to deliver complete solutions for our customers and strategic partners."

Australian Vintage recently reported a year-on-year net profit of AU$5.5 million (£2.5 million), an AU$8.2 million (£3.7 million) improvement on previous results. Sales of branded wine increased by 10.5%, branded wine exports increased 22% and non-branded sales increased by 34.4% in the last financial year.

Commenting on the results, Australian Vintage CEO Dane Hudson, said: "This is a strong turnaround for Australian Vintage in what must be the most challenging conditions ever experienced in the Australian wine industry.

"Industry concerns continue with the Australian dollar at a high level, ongoing drought conditions and structural over-supply in the Australian market. We expect 2009 to be particularly tough as the industry works through the imbalance in the Australian market. However, provided there is no material worsening of conditions we will continue executing our strategic priorities that will ensure the business can meet long-term growth aspirations and expectations of shareholders."

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