Hallgarten expands with 18 new hires
Specialist wine importer Hallgarten & Novum Wines has announced the appointment of 18 new team members in the first half of 2025, building on a sustained period of growth since its acquisition by Coterie Holdings in December 2023.
The new hires span sales, brand management, marketing, customer service, logistics and finance, underlining the company’s ambition to reinforce its status as the go-to wine supplier across the premium UK wine sector.
Hallgarten’s headcount has increased by close to 50% over the last 18 months, growing from just over 100 staff at the start of 2024 to almost 150 today. This recruitment wave further embeds the company’s growth-focused strategy following a period that managing director Andrew Bewes described as “transformational.”
“The past year and a half has been transformational for the business, as we have strived to achieve balanced, significant growth across all sectors, whilst improving our service to customers,” said Bewes. “We have invested in systems and people across the entire business, and we take great pride in being increasingly recognised as a company that people want to work for and want to do business with.”
Building a future-facing team
Among the headline appointments is Obaro Agalabri, formerly of NielsenIQ, who takes up the newly created role of insights manager. “I am excited to join Hallgarten and to have the opportunity to use data-led insight to support strategic growth, strengthen customer understanding, and help shape the future of our portfolio with real consumer relevance,” he said.
Katie Bowden, joining as customer marketing manager from Casella Family Brands, will bolster Hallgarten’s market knowledge and customer focus. Also joining the expanding brand team are Elvis Muturi as brand coordinator, and Lauren Jones, Hallgarten’s third HeadStart apprentice, stepping into the role of junior brand manager.
Sales force expansion spans national and regional roles
The recruitment drive includes key additions to the national accounts team. Titus English and Tom Cartwright join as national accounts executives for the on-trade, while Andy Barker and Tom Curvis take up roles as national accounts managers for the off-trade.
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George Randall, formerly of Lay and Wheeler, joins as national accounts manager for the on-trade. He commented: “I have always admired Hallgarten within the trade, and it is hugely exciting to join at a time when there is such incredible momentum behind the whole company.”
Paul Milne, previously with Enotria & Coe, has been appointed business development manager, supported by regional additions Dominic Hall and Pierre Woodford, who take on account manager roles across Herts, Beds and Bucks, and the Cotswolds and West Country respectively.
Internal promotions further demonstrate the company’s development culture, with Alex Oakshott elevated to national accounts manager, Tim Campbell-Gunn becoming key account manager for the Midlands and Ross Dixie promoted to business development manager for the South of England.
Operational capacity boosted in customer service and logistics
The customer services team has seen significant growth with six new hires: Tracey Morrison, Shaznay Latifah, Asiya Khanum, Naomi Harrison, and Emilie Darnell, strengthening Hallgarten’s commitment to service excellence. Luca Zammito joins as commercial finance business partner, while Paul Freeman steps into a pivotal supply chain planner position.
Continuing momentum in a changing market
Hallgarten’s expansion follows a year of dynamic strategic repositioning in response to sweeping changes in UK wine duty. Earlier in 2025, Bewes spoke to the drinks business about the challenges of a new 30-tier duty regime and the rising cost pressures it has brought.
“As we progress through 2025, our aim is to further reinforce our position as the go-to wine supplier for premium hospitality, independent wine merchants, retail and events,” said Bewes. “Recent accolades at The Drinks Business Awards 2025, Sommelier Wine Awards 2025, and Wine Merchant Top 100 serve to demonstrate our clear focus on providing our customers with an unparalleled range of wines, industry expertise and the best customer service possible.”
With further roles currently advertised on its website, Hallgarten’s recruitment drive is far from over. The business, it seems, is just getting started.
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