By Andrew Starke
Lion Nathan (LN) has announced key structural changes to its wine business in the wake of its recent acquisition of a number of Pernod Ricard brands.
The changes will take affect in 2011.
Last month Pernod Ricard announced the sale of several of its New Zealand wine brands to a consortium of buyers lead by Lion Nathan National Foods (LNNF).
The deal, which included the Lindauer brand, has established Lion Nathan New Zealand (LNNZ) as the number two wine supplier in NZ.
This has increased total company wine production to 2.5 million cases with the majority being produced in NZ.
As a consequence, the company will integrate all its wine businesses under the leadership of Peter Kean, as managing director of LNNZ and Global Wine with Anthony Roberts, Lion Nathan Wine managing director leaving the business.
“Anthony played an instrumental role in establishing Lion Nathan Wine's focussed global fine wine strategy and US route to market,” said the company in a statement.
“He will help with the transition until he leaves the business on 31 March 2011.”
Global sales director wine, Michael East, will continue to lead the company's sales teams and be based in Australia.
The existing Lion Nathan Wine routes to market in Australia (Fine Wine Partners), North America (Lion Nathan USA) and other international markets will continue to report to East.
Total sales for the wine business including wineries owned by Lion Nathan Wine and distribution of agency brands is now 3.5 million cases.