Signalling its strengthened commitment to Californian wine sales growth in Japan, Beringer Blass Wine Estates has today entered an agreement with Sapporo Breweries for the distribution of Beringer Vineyards wines in Japan.
The partnership with Sapporo will replace the existing agreement that expires on December 31, 2002.
Established in 1876, Sapporo began importing wine in 1974 and is currently one of the largest wine distributors in Japan.
With a sales force of approximately 1,400 representatives, Sapporo has eight Sales and Marketing Divisions across Japan and offers a portfolio of more than 400 imported and domestic wine items.
Sapporo already distributes Beringer Blass's Chateau St Clement brand in Japan and expects to build Beringer Vineyards into its fifth largest imported wine brand in the first year of its distribution.
"Increasing our presence in Japan is our number one priority in the Asian region," said Mr Jamie Odell, Managing Director Trade Asia Pacific for Beringer Blass.
"We are confident that our new partnership with Sapporo in Japan will further enhance the profile and penetration of our flagship Californian wine brand in this key growth market."
Sales of Beringer wines in Japan increased significantly during fiscal 2002, driven largely by the successful launch of Stone Cellars by Beringer in February 2002.
Mercian will continue as Japanese distributor for Beringer Blass's major Australian wine brands, which include Greg Norman Estate and Wolf Blass. Other boutique regional Australian brands will continue to be distributed by Australian wine specialist, Village Cellars.
Australia: Megan Brown, Corporate Affairs.
Tel: +61 3 8626 3342
Mob: +61 409 948049
Japan: Amanda Whiteland, Regional Manager - Japan.
Tel: +81 3 5403 5780
