BBR unveils ‘restructured’ FMV

UK fine wine merchant Berry Bros & Rudd has completed its restructure of wholesale arm Fields Morris & Verdin with a slimmed down portfolio of 100, predominantly Burgundian, producers that it will continue to represent.

The merchant unveiled its new portfolio on Monday (19 October) as well as a, “more tightly focused trade base concentrated on luxury retailers, independent and fine wine merchants and selected high-profile on-trade establishments”, as well as private clients.

The merchant said in September that it was undergoing a restructure after an internal review into its business following a difficult trading period.

The pared down list has a strong Burgundy focus with 45 producers hailing from the region including: Antoine Jobard, Domaine de Montille, Dujac, Tollot-Beaut, Marc Colin, Emmanuel Rouget and Méo-Camuzet.

In addition there are still a number of top estates from the rest of France – Château Thivin, Champagne Leclerc-Briant, Clos Papes and Domaine François Cotat – as well as around the world: Emmerich Knoll, Sadie Family Vineyards, Bodegas Lopez de Heredia, Vega Sicilia, Au Bon Climat, Colgin Cellars and Ridge Vineyards.

Chairman Lizzy Rudd commented: “We are proud to continue to work with some of the most famous producers from around the world and we know this more focused portfolio is the right direction for our business, especially given the uncertain on-trade environment”.

A great many former agencies have found new representation across the UK with a large number, 35 in total, going to Bancroft Wines with which BBR has “built an association” in recent months, said Rudd.

Jon Worsley, CEO of Bancroft, added: “FM&V shares a similar ethos to Bancroft: representing family owned producers with an unwavering passion to produce the very best wine – many of which focus on organic and sustainably produced wines. In addition to these producers, we have appointed five previous FM&V colleagues across the leadership, branding and sales teams.”

Rudd said: I am pleased to confirm that a number of producers have so far made the decision to be represented by Bancroft or shared between Bancroft and FM&V in the UK. In addition, this has meant that Bancroft has been able to appoint five former FM&V colleagues who will continue to nurture and build producer relationships in the UK on-trade”.

The complete list of producers FMV will continue to represent in the UK will be added shortly.