By Andrew Starke
Accolade Wines has agreed to sell its Black Bottle and XO Brandy labels to specialist spirit distributor, Vok Beverages, with the deal taking effect from October 31.
The acquisition comes as Vok looks to focus on the ready to serve cocktail category with 2ltr and 700mL pack formats and the recent purchase of the Vickers Gin Brand.
Accolade Wines chief executive, Troy Christensen said the decision was consistent with Accolade Wines’ business strategy of concentrating on its core proprietary wine brands, including Banrock Station, Hardys, Houghton Wines, Omni, Brookland Valley, Berri, Stanley, Renmano and its premium portfolio including House of Arras, Leasingham, Yarra Burn and Bay of Fires.
“The spirit beverage category is unique. Given that we do not have any plans to focus on brandy and this category, it is better to transition them to a specialist,” he said.
Vok Beverages managing director, Angelo Kotses, said the company was delighted to acquire two recognised brand names.
“Black Bottle brandy is sensational value with a long history of gold medals and outstanding performance at tastings, while XO is in a class of its own,” he said.
“In addition, this acquisition is in keeping with our desire to build on Vok’s current portfolio of quality, company owned brands such as Vok liqueurs, Vok Ready to Serve Cocktails, Vickers Gin, Infused Rush and Three Oaks Cider.”
Vok Beverages marketing manager, Chris Illman, was also enthusiasm towards the new additions to the company’s portfolio, adding that Vok will be committed to growing the brandy category by using innovation and originality.
The company will utilise existing global networks in an effort to develop the brands internationally.
“Vok Beverages is a progressive organisation continuing to seek opportunities both domestically and abroad to grow our current portfolio of premium brands,” said Illman.
“Our goal is to give our consumers something new, by making Brandy more accessible to a wider consumer group.”
Vok Beverages will officially take over Black Bottle and XO Brandy from October 31, 2011.