Pictures: Ben Clarke, Executive Chairman of Vinarchy
In a major shake-up for the global wine industry, French beverage giant Pernod Ricard has officially completed the sale of its international wine portfolio to Australian Wine Holdco Limited, the parent company of Accolade Wines.
Accolade Wines is one of the world’s leading wine companies that distribute wine around the world, and they’re based here in SA. As Accolade Wines joins Pernod Ricard, it comes with the creation of a new wine powerhouse called Vinarchy, which will bring together some of the most iconic wine brands from across Australia, New Zealand, and Spain under one name.
“It is not every day you get the chance to build something new,” shared a spokesperson from Accolade Wines.
“Vinarchy will be one of the world’s largest specialist wine companies, with 11 wineries across four countries and a global sourcing footprint that spans premium grape-growing regions in Italy, Argentina, France, the United States and Chile.”
Among the well-known labels changing hands are Australian favourites Jacob’s Creek, Orlando, and St Hugo. From New Zealand, Brancott Estate, Stoneleigh, and Church Road, and Spain’s Campo Viejo, Ysios, Tarsus, and Azpilicueta. In total, the sale covers more than 10 million cases annually and includes seven wineries operating from vineyard to bottle.
“Our portfolio has something for everyone and every hip pocket, from premium fine wines to some of the world’s most popular global brands like Jacob’s Creek, Hardys and Campo Viejo, and everything in between.
“What is exciting is the potential to redefine wine. Together, we have the opportunity to innovate, invest in our brands and connect with wine drinkers in ways that feel relevant today,” shared the spokesperson.
Pernod Ricard will continue to distribute these wines for a short period during the global transition, before switching its focus to its core business of premium international spirits and champagne brands.
The sale is part of Pernod Ricard’s long-term strategy to streamline its portfolio and pursue opportunities in the fast-growing high-end spirits market.
The team at Accolade Wines say that Vinarchy will bring together a broader portfolio and the scale to grow their brands and lead the future of the wine industry.
“The integration has been carefully planned, with a strong focus on continuity for our customers, distributors and partners.
“Now we’re focused on growing our amazing portfolio of brands and continuing to innovate to shape the future of the industry, living up to our mission to redefine wine.”
The new owner, Australian Wine Holdco Limited, is backed by a group of international investors, including Bain Capital, Intermediate Capital Group, Capital Four, Sona Asset Management, and Samuel Terry Asset Management.
The move is one that is sure to reshape the global wine industry, and is likely to have flow-on effects for the Australian wine industry, especially with well-known local brands now set to become part of a new global wine entity.
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