Bibendum to supply 2012 Olympics

Bibendum has been chosen as the wine and Champagne supplier to the London 2012 Olympics. The north-London based wine distributor secured the significant and high-profile contract after a tender process with The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG).

Bibendum’s managing director, Michael Saunders, described the news as “exciting, an honour, and a once in a lifetime opportunity”.

With over 10,000 athletes participating and 8.6 million tickets available for the Olympics – and another 1.5m for the Paralympics – Saunders did admit that logistically, “it is an enormous task,” but that Bibendum would “execute it immaculately”.

He also said that it would bring “incredible prestige for producers,” with the games attracting heads of state as well as many high-profile personalities from around the world.

However, Saunders could not confirm which of Bibendum’s suppliers would be involved, although he said that for the corporate hospitality side of the Olympics, “great wines” would be needed, and that “English wines will be extremely high up the agenda.”

He concluded that he would be working with a “variety of different suppliers, many of whom are current suppliers, but not necessarily all.”

In terms of English wines, Bibendum represents Chapel Down and Balfour Brut rosé.

Patrick Schmitt, 11.03.2011