Henkell, a Germany-based producer of sparkling wines and spirits, has purchased 60% interest in British wine importer and distributor Copestick Murray for an undisclosed amount.
Founded in 2005 by Robin Copestick and Paul Murray, Copestick Murray has partners in all major wine producing nations across the world and currently manages more than 300 products, including the well-known wine brand 'I heart'.
Some of its partners include Domaine Bonfils, Michel Gonet, Principe de Viana, Finca el Origin, Istituto Enologico Italiano (IEI), Follador, Viña Casablanca, Recas, Bonnachi, Ascentia, Matahiwi and Overhex.
In 2011, Henkell entered the UK market with its own distribution firm.
The current deal will focus on developing its Mionetto as a major Prosecco brand in the UK.
Henkell CEO Dr Andreas Brokemper said the UK is the largest market for Prosecco Spumante (DOC) outside of Italy and one of the fastest growing markets for Prosecco overall.
"The Mionetto brand gives us a leading Italian Prosecco brand with a long history and superlative quality," Brokemper added.
"In the U.S.A. we have played an important role in shaping and creating the Prosecco trend and we are now the market leader. We are fully confident that the Copestick Murray team, together with our own sales organisation, will establish the Mionetto brand in the UK as well."
Copestick said their speciality in making sparkling wines all over Europe is very exciting for them.
"Sparkling wine is a growth category in the UK and up until now we were under represented in this area. Additionally the financial backing from The Henkell & Co. Group will allow us to continue our remarkable growth," Copestick added.
Founded in 2005 by Robin Copestick and Paul Murray, Copestick Murray has partners in all major wine producing nations across the world and currently manages more than 300 products, including the well-known wine brand 'I heart'.
Some of its partners include Domaine Bonfils, Michel Gonet, Principe de Viana, Finca el Origin, Istituto Enologico Italiano (IEI), Follador, Viña Casablanca, Recas, Bonnachi, Ascentia, Matahiwi and Overhex.
In 2011, Henkell entered the UK market with its own distribution firm.
The current deal will focus on developing its Mionetto as a major Prosecco brand in the UK.
Henkell CEO Dr Andreas Brokemper said the UK is the largest market for Prosecco Spumante (DOC) outside of Italy and one of the fastest growing markets for Prosecco overall.
"The Mionetto brand gives us a leading Italian Prosecco brand with a long history and superlative quality," Brokemper added.
"In the U.S.A. we have played an important role in shaping and creating the Prosecco trend and we are now the market leader. We are fully confident that the Copestick Murray team, together with our own sales organisation, will establish the Mionetto brand in the UK as well."
Copestick said their speciality in making sparkling wines all over Europe is very exciting for them.
"Sparkling wine is a growth category in the UK and up until now we were under represented in this area. Additionally the financial backing from The Henkell & Co. Group will allow us to continue our remarkable growth," Copestick added.
