Local Winemaker Appoints New GM Sales to Continue Global Growth

Allan Scott Wines and Estates Limited have announced the appointment of Mitchell Gardiner as General Manager Sales to help continue the company’s growth strategy both internationally and locally.

A widely-experienced sales manager, Mr Gardiner joins Allan Scott Family Winemakers after 9 years as a senior sales manager with Toops Wholesale, a key subsidiary of the Foodstuffs North Island Co-Op Society Limited.

During his tenure at Toops, Mr Gardiner drove hospitality sales 450% to become the largest company category, while also achieving growth in otherwise declining markets and restructured regional liquor distribution.  Prior to this, Mr Gardiner made his mark with Hawkes Bay Liquor Ltd, initially managing Key Accounts and On Premise before being given responsibility for their Wholesale Division.

His appointment will allow Allan Scott Family Wines to continue a growth strategy which has been enhanced by record harvests for volume and quality during recent years.  “To achieve that strategy, the sales team requires additional experience, vision, skills and determination, with Mr Gardiner’s appointment reflecting all those attributes,” says Victoria Scott, director of marketing for Allan Scott Family Winemakers.

“Global prospects for Allan Scott Estate wines remain of high potential with good demand indicators, and it is important that we carefully capture such opportunities to ensure that market demand remains sustainable, and to add value to our carefully crafted varietals and continuing innovative blends meeting modern market norms.”

In addition, the domestic market remains very important to the company. While Allan Scott has a loyal and substantial following from those seeking consistently high quality wine, the market is now more demanding with some supply overhang including rising lower-value imported wines.

“Maintaining growth in our domestic market penetration and working with national distributors will be a key priority for Mr Gardiner,” says Ms Scott.

Allan Scott Family Winemakers was established in 1990, and is a leading local producer of quality wines. Along with the core range of Allan Scott Estate wines, there is a single vineyard selection of prestige wines, and a Methode Traditionelle range which includes five bubbles.

Mr Gardiner will commence his new role on 20th October 2014.