By Amy Looker
The restructure of Cumulus Wine Group has been completed with the launch of new wine sales and distribution company, Epoch Wine Group.
Former Cumulus Estate sales director, Sam Mete, has been appointed to the role of chief executive officer at Epoch, which will "set the platform for both wine distributor and wine producer to work together as one".
"During my 25 years in the Australian wine industry I’ve seen many a great wine brand struggle with distributors that are unable to give their brand 100 per cent attention," said Mete.
"At Epoch we are providing a new model where like-minded wine producers can join as partners and have equity in the business. This will create stronger working relationships, within an environment of respect and trust, and a place where everyone has a vested interest in securing top-quality sales opportunities."
Epoch plans to work with hand-selected, premium wine brands from leading wine regions in Australia and internationally.
Cumulus Estate Wine brands, including Rolling, Climbing and Cumulus will represent the New South Wales premium wine region of Orange, with the remaining portfolio to be structured around other quality Australian wine regions, such as Margaret River and the Barossa Valley.
The Berardo Group of Portugal has also signed on as a partner.
"All the partners will share our commitment to national distribution and channel management that will deliver the ultimate efficient and reliable service," said Mete.
"By working with a selective and distinguished portfolio of wines, Cumulus Estate Wines will get the benefit of being grouped with a multi-regional line-up of quality brands. Our other wine partners will benefit from our highly experienced and dedicated national sales team and economies of scale. For the past eight years, Cumulus has had its own distribution platform which underscores the experience and know-how that will be passed on to Epoch."