Bibendum in Banfi coup

Published: 09 June, 2009

UK fine wine merchant Bibendum has signed an exclusive UK distribution deal with Italian giants Castello Banfi.

The company said that the deal will boost its Italian offering and offer premium Brunello di Montalcino to Bibendum customers.

Tuscany's family-owned Castello Banfi is the largest contiguous estate in Europe.

Bibendum will begin working with Banfi at the beginning of next month.

Stuart Grundy, the Bibendum buyer who negotiated the deal, said: "I could have counted on one finger the number of Brunello estates that Bibendum wanted to work with. It is quite rare to encounter a beautiful estate with such fabulous wines, such a strong identity, and such commercial savvy. And from Banfi's point of view, access to an award-winning national sales network was an absolute priority for their brand and sales development in the UK."

Grundy said that the deal showed Bibendum's ambitious buying policy.

"Even during tough trading conditions we are committed to selling wine with the sort of values that put this company on the map," he added, "and with UK Sales Manager Dante Cecchini already well known in the market, we'll have a great head start in building some strong trade relationships."

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