Scottish merchant shows off new look

Inverarity Morton has unveiled its new wine portfolio after merging lists with fellow Scottish merchant Forth Wines, which it bought last October.

The merchant’s annual trade tasting in Edinburgh last week saw Inverarity Morton show off 420 highlights from an augmented portfolio that now features 2,019 wines from 16 countries and 180 producers.

Having spent five months working with the sales and buying team to finalise the new list, Inverarity Morton’s commercial director Ian Cumming said: “The real challenge was to make sure we struck a good balance between New and Old World wines, styles and price point, combining quality and value for money across the portfolio.

“It was also vital that we took into consideration the requirements of our customers and were able to provide a range that can offer individuality to all. That meant going over both lists with a fine-tooth comb and identifying and filling gaps in the final offering.”

Among the new agencies on the list, for several of which Inverarity Morton has exclusivity within Scotland, are Languedoc co-operative Foncalieu, English sparkling wine brand Herbert Hall, Champagne Maillart and New South Wales producer Chalkers Crossing.

The acquisition of Forth Wines, which was for an undisclosed seven-figure sum, marked the latest step in Inverarity Morton’s ambitious growth plans since the company was created following the 2011 purchase of Inverarity Vaults by WM Morton.

2012 saw Inverarity Morton expand its reach with the acquisition of Glasgow-based spirits specialist supplier LA Wholesale as managing director Stephen Russell outlined his intention to grow the business both within Scotland and south of the border. The company has also been strengthening its team, appointing a new sales director last summer in the form of Guy Chatfield, formerly of Concha y Toro.

With a turnover of around £75 million and 200-strong team, Inverarity Morton now claims to be Scotland’s “leading privately-owned drinks distributor”.