Invivo Wines signs with Codorniu UK

Published: 05 January, 2011

New Zealand producer Invivo Wines has signed an exclusive on and off-trade distribution agreement for the UK and Ireland with Spanish firm Grupo Codorníu.

Invivo was founded three years ago by school friends Rob Cameron and Tim Lightbourne. Cameron heads up the winemaking while Lightbourne handles marketing. Lightbourne said: "We look forward to bringing our fresh approach to the UK market, along with producing world class wines, we are a proactive New Zealand winery with strong alignments to various creative industries - which help us to develop some interesting and innovative support campaigns."

Grupo Codorníu is one of the largest producers of sparkling wine in the world and also owns wineries throughout Spain, including Raimat and Vina Pomal Rioja. It has recently been looking to expand its portfolio of agencies outside Spain ? it already owns Argentinian winery Bodega Septima.
"Our aim is to broaden our existing portfolio, by building a highly focused, premium quality range of wines from around the world", said Nick Mantella, managing director of Grupo Codorníu UK. "Invivo Wines has built an incredible pedigree of quality in a very short time, and fits perfectly with this strategy."

The Invivo range of wines will be available from Grupo Codorníu UK from February, including the recently launched 'Bella by Invivo', a 9% Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with 30% less alcohol and calories. Other wines in the range include the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Rose, and Central Otago Pinot Noir.

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