Matthew Clark to supply Virgin Wines

Published: 23 July, 2008

Virgin Wines, Europe's largest independent online wine retailer, and the wholesaler Matthew Clark have signed a multi-million pound wine supply agreement, which will result in Matthew Clark providing Virgin Wines with a sourcing, shipping and primary logistics capability. The move follows a three-month strategic review of the Virgin Wines supply chain, led by recently-departed buying director Lee Middleton (see Harpers, 20 September). Rowan Gormley, Virgin Wines' CEO, said: We're extremely pleased to have forged this close partnership with Matthew Clark. Our strategic review concluded that to cope with doubling the size of our business every 12 months meant we either had to grow our buying infrastructure massively, or do a deal with a company that already has that kind of infrastructure.' Richard Peters, chief operating officer at Matthew Clark, said: Virgin Wines is a major player, so it is excellent news to be working with them. Matthew Clark has been successful because of a winning combination of excellent wines, buying strength and logistics expertise.'

RELATED: Following Lee Middleton's departure, Andrew Baker - the deputy buying director - took over Virgin Wines' buying team from 1 October.

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