Hambledon moves from FMV to Mentzendorff

Hampshire-based English sparkling wine estate Hambledon has switched UK distribution partners, moving from Fields, Morris & Verdin to Mentzendorff.

Hambledon’s managing director, Ian Kellett, is keen to grow the brand’s distribution in the UK

Having been with FMV since launching in 2014, Hambledon has enlisted Mentzendorff to execute its new commercial strategy in a bid to increase its UK distribution. “With FMV we have achieved great results, launching Hambledon into the trade and developing some formidable listings.

“It is now time to take the next step and we’re looking forward to working with Mentzendorff and benefiting from their in-depth knowledge of the premium sparkling category, to grow Hambledon’s distribution across the UK,” said Hambledon’s managing director, Ian Kellett.

Having launched in 2014, Hambledon’s sparklers are on pour at a number of top UK venues, including Noble Rot, The Pig hotels, Fortnum & Mason, Hawksmoor and Hix.

“We are incredibly proud to have played such an integral role in the development of Hambledon, and fully understand their decision to appoint a new distributor to achieve the brands future volume ambitions,” said Damian Carrington of FMV.

Andrew Hawes, managing director for Mentzendorff, added: “Hambledon is a natural addition to our portfolio of family-owned wine companies, all of which represent the very highest quality from their respective regions.

“We have followed the development of English sparkling wine with great interest and are very excited to be offering our customers a unique complementary portfolio of the highest quality Champagne and sparkling wines.

“We will be placing Hambledon alongside Champagne Bollinger, Ayala and Langlois-Chateau Crémant de Loire, in a market for quality sparkling wine that continues to grow and excite huge interest from the trade and consumers.”

Hambledon will continue to be represented by FMV until 1 June, from which point on Mentzendorff will start its distribution agreement.