Enotria restructure, ‘a difficult but necessary step’
The Majestic Group-owned drinks distributor Enotria has proposed some structural changes that could lead to a reduction in headcount. The announcement comes amid tough economic conditions for the trade as a whole, particularly in the supply chain.
“To continue to build momentum and deliver on our new strategic plan, we now need to reorganise the Enotria business to reflect and better serve our three key customer groups – premium and prestige on-trade; nationals and large off-trade; and large regional accounts.”
With these words, John Colley, executive chairman and CEO of Majestic Wine Group, set out proposals that could reshape Enotria’s structure and lead to a reduction in headcount.
Channel strategy at the centre
In a statement shared with the drinks business, Colley said he was “really encouraged by the progress Enotria has made over the past year”.
He continued: “In order to put that channel strategy right at the heart of Enotria and ensure we are fit for the future, we are proposing some structural changes that could result in a reduction in headcount. This is a difficult but necessary step to restructure the Enotria team, simplify certain functions and speed up decision-making processes. Our people, as always, are our priority and we will be supporting all impacted colleagues through this process.”
The proposed reorganisation is designed to align the distributor more closely with three defined routes to market: premium and prestige on-trade, nationals and large off-trade, and large regional accounts.
It is not known at this stage how many roles will be made redundant, although db understands that reports suggesting the final number will be significantly lower than 50 are accurate.
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Continued investment across the group
Colley sought to place the changes within the context of wider investment. “As a Group, we remain committed to investing in growth across Majestic, Vagabond and Enotria, including a strong pipeline of new shops and bars, and ongoing improvements to our systems, data and logistics capabilities. All of this will benefit our customers across retail, wholesale and hospitality, and help the Group cement its position as the UK’s largest end-to-end premium drinks specialist.”
Enotria forms part of Majestic Wine Group, alongside its retail and bar operations, and has been undergoing a turnaround programme since its acquisition a year ago.
Leadership changes earlier this year
As reported by the drinks business in January, Enotria appointed Phillip White as chief executive with immediate effect. White replaced Colley, who had held the role on an interim basis since September 2025 while continuing as executive chairman and chief executive of the parent company.
The appointment followed a recruitment process led by the Majestic Wine Group board and its owner, Fortress Investment Group.
Tough trading climate
In February, the UK Government raised alcohol duty in line with RPI, making what was already a tough trading climate that bit more challenging.
Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine and Spirit Trade Association, believes we are now experiencing the knock-on effects of this across the industry: “We are seeing consolidation in the supply chain, which is consistent with the continuing tough economic conditions, brought about by a combination of government policy, weak consumer confidence and declining sales – all of which stifles growth,” he told db.
“Wine and spirit businesses are particularly under pressure with tax rates at an all-time high, pushing up prices and driving down consumer confidence. Add to this all the other costs, including NI contributions, business rates and waste packaging taxes – businesses are having to find ways of cutting costs to stay afloat,” he concluded.
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