By Amy Looker
Suntory Australia will continue as the local distributor of the Piper-Heidsieck and Charles Heidsieck labels following an agreement struck off-shore between Remy Cointreau and French luxury brands company, Societe Europeenne de Participations Industrielles (EPI).
EPI, which is the holding company of France’s Descours family, reportedly purchased the brands from Remy Cointreau for 400 million euros.
Discussions between Remy Cointreau and EPI began in February this year, with Remy Cointreau looking to offload its Champagne division in order to focus on its growing cognac portfolio.
Suntory Australia first assumed distribution for Piper in April 2009 and has managed to achieve growth for the Champagne brand.
“We look forward to continuing distribution of the Piper and Charles Heidsieck brands and working with EPI to further develop these brands in the Australian market”, says Suntory Australia’s managing director, Ian Atherton.