By Andrew Starke
The Foster’s Group has launched a twin assault on competitors with both its local beer business and international wine operations receiving a shot in the arm late last week.
New beer boss John Pollaers told analysts that the brewing behemoth would be investing heavily in its core beer brands in coming months while looking to streamline its overall portfolio.
Pollaers, an ex-Diageo executive who began his Foster’s role in April, stressed that each brand had a ‘heart land’ and that the group’s beer business needed a few minor corrections rather than a full-scale turnaround.
Analysts said Pollaers had made the operations side of the business an initial priority and was not focussing on Foster’s beer brands slight decline in overall market share over the past few years.
Meanwhile, Foster’s Wine Estates has appointed master sommelier, Fred Dame, as vice president, luxury sales reporting to Mike Holden, SVP Sales.
Dame will head-up the selling division that will have management responsibility for a portfolio of brands that includes Beringer, Penfolds, Chateau St Jean, Stags’ Leap Winery, Etude and St. Clement.
Prior to joining Foster’s, Dame held senior management positions with Constellation, Beam Wine Estates, Allied Domecq and Seagram Chateau & Estate Wines.
Foster’s Senior Vice President of Sales Mike Holden commented: “Few people know more about selling fine wine than Fred. He is greatly respected in the wine business and he aligns perfectly with our luxury portfolio. We are extremely excited to have him join the Foster’s team.”
Dame will be based out of Foster’s North American headquarters in the Napa Valley and his team will focus on fine dining establishments, wine stores and luxury hotels.