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Armit closes HK offices

Fine wine merchant Armit Wines has confirmed it is closing its offices in Hong Kong in order to centralise all of its operations in the UK.

In a statement sent out to its clients across Asia this week, Armit said: “We are announcing today the centralisation of all wine selection and delivery.

“Armit Wines will be offering all clients in Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and the wider Asian market continued access to our carefully curated portfolio of the world’s finest wines alongside access to our highly experienced global private client team.

“The direct access to the team will enable our valued overseas clients the facility to source, store and have locally delivered our exclusive and non-exclusive fine wines immediately, as and when they become available for sale.”

Responding to questions from the drinks business, Kirsten Kilby, managing director of Armit, said: “Part of my objective and plan is to build and strengthen the Armit Wine brand and business. Our buying and management teams are based in London, along with a much larger sales force and account support team, so by bringing all activities back under a UK remit we will be able to provide the best possible service to our customers worldwide.

“The move will allow us to immediately activate everything to an international marketplace with the full control and support of the teams here in London.”

She said that the move had not come because of any slowdown or problem with the Asian market which remained, “incredibly important for us,” and reiterated that the decision was based around the idea of focusing “on the core business of Armit Wine” and “ensure consistency of brand, service and message.”

As to whether Armit would return to Asia with a dedicated office in future, Kilby replied: “It is definitely possible that we will look to open another Asian office in the future. We are bringing the global business back under the direction of Armit Wines UK in order to perfect and bolster our service with a view to long term growth so nothing is off the table.”

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