Gibson Wines has appointed Empire Liquor as its wholesale distributor for South Australia, commencing 1 July, marking the first time Gibson has used a full-service wholesale distributor in the state.
Gibson joins Empire’s portfolio of fine Australian and international wines, alongside a collection of prominent local producers including d’Arenberg and Glaetzer. Empire also distributes a collection of premium ales including Hofbraü (HB) München, a range of British beers and Barossa craft brewery, Rehn.
Gibson CEO, Chad Elson, described the Empire Liquor relationship is an important milestone for the winery, which had previously serviced the SA trade with the help of commission agents.
“Over the years, we have built a small but loyal trade customer following, which we’re very thankful for,” Elson said.
“Empire have been around for a long time and to join them now as our first full-service distributor in SA is exciting. Their history here, in a competitive market, is evidence of their team over delivering to the trade.
“Our existing and new metro customers will also benefit from more efficient fulfilment, through Empire’s logistics and warehousing.”
Empire was founded in 1978 and is currently owned by Brenton Quirini who said Gibson is ‘a jewel that needs to be further revealed.’
“We’re really thrilled to welcome Gibson into the clutch of great family wine brands at Empire,” Quirini said.
“There is an honest-to-goodness character about the Gibson family and the range itself. The emerging story of the second generation and modern varietals I’m sure will also be curiosity our trade customers will love.”