Enotria buys Coe Vintners

UK wine distributor Enotria has announced the acquisition of another UK merchant, Coe Vintners.

In a statement, Enotira said the move, “signals a strong statement of intent for the business” as it seeks to grow “strategically and sustainably.”

With Enotria handling wineries such as d’Arenberg, Ken Forrester, Yealands, Trimbach, Champagne Jacquart and Cecchi and Coe Vintners representing Zind Humbrecht and a wide array of spirits, the release boasted that the combined portfolios read like a “who’s who of producer and brand partners within the drinks trade.”

The acquisition only relates to Coe Vintners in Ilford and does not include Barwell & Jones or Mangrove which will continue to operate in Redbridge as normal.

Enotria CEO Troy Christensen said, “We are delighted to be working with the Coe family and their team. Coe Vintners has built a fantastic business as the UK’s leading wholesaler of premium on trade Champagnes, wines and spirits.

“There are many complementary aspects with the Enotria business, and together we can provide customers with a market-leading offering and quality service proposition. We have made significant investments at Enotria over the last year, in warehousing and in people.

“Couple this with nationwide distribution, award-winning customer training programmes, and category insight and design support, and this means that we are now in a strong position to enhance and develop the premium business of the two companies.”

John Coe commented, “Both companies enjoy long-standing relationships with their suppliers, and focus on working in partnership to develop their brands and products, targeting the right channels across the UK market.  The premiumisation of our business and our philosophy to create trusted relationships with both customers and suppliers make Enotria the perfect partner.”

Both companies will continue to operate separately during the transition period and customers will be able to work with their existing contact for the moment.

The move is the latest example of consolidation in the UK trade, after Bibendum and PLB merging in October last year. For more on the UK retail market see the August edition of the drinks business.