By Amy Looker, editor National Liquor News
Yalumba will celebrate its 165th anniversary this year, with distributor Samuel Smith & Son hinting at coming activity across the portfolio to celebrate the milestone.
Samuel Smith & Son director of strategy and trading, Nick Waterman, said the company has exciting plans for the iconic brand that are set to kick off around halfway through 2014.
“It will be another busy and exciting year with a good deal of focus on Yalumba, which celebrates its 165th anniversary. The Yalumba brand will announce some interesting developments towards the middle of the year which will present the trade with some exciting opportunities,” Waterman told TheShout.
According to Waterman, the company’s New Zealand portfolio will also be high on the agenda in 2014.
“Our New Zealand portfolio is a key focus for us and some of the wines coming out of the Nautilus Winery are outstanding and receiving global recognition,” he said.
“This is pleasing but not surprising, given the original investment in Nautilus and its vineyards began way back in 1985 thanks to the vision of the Hill Smith family.”
Waterman also said retailers can expect to see a focus on regionality across the Samuel Smith & Son stable of brands.
“There is no doubt that imported wines continue to experience growth if they are relevant from a regional and varietal perspective. With the Hill Smith family investing further in Tasmania, we have a Coal River Riesling called The Parish coming to market as a result.
“Our focus will be on adding wines that meet consumer demand and we will, in many instances, engage upfront with the trade and consumers on any major additions or brand extensions to ensure we get it right.”
See the upcoming January/February issue of National Liquor News for the full interview with Nick Waterman.