By Deborah Jackson, editor National Liquor News
Robert Oatley Vineyards has rebranded its Australian wine distribution business as Oatley Fine Wine Merchants (OFWM), effective 3 August.
The company is on track to cementing its place as a leading distributor of wines from across Australia and around the world.
Its portfolio includes Ara Wines (Marlborough); Cumulus Wines (Orange); Clover Hill (Tasmania); Champagnes Piper-Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck (France); with the new additions of Joseph Drouhin (France) and wines from Chris Hancock’s newly created label, Hancock & Hancock.
Anthony Roberts, CEO OFWM told TheShout the company plans to expand on its portfolio with a core focus on the on-premise.
“We plan to cover all the major premium regions of Australia in particular so we are on the lookout for like-minded producers from regions such as the Clare Valley, Coonawarra and Yarra Valley," he said.
According to Roberts, restaurants are steering away from heavily retail-promoted brands and interest in imported wines from both traditional and emerging regions continues to grow.
“We’ve enjoyed great success of late with Barone Ricasoli Chiantis from Tuscany and Argento Malbecs from Argentina,” he said.
“Domestically our business is predominantly on-premise and growing impressively year on year, delivering a solid margin for all involved, from the grower and ourselves as producers, our agencies, right through to the restaurateur and independent retailer. Our focus remains on these two markets.”