Importer moves warehouse after 80 years

UK-based Hallgarten Druitt & Novum Wines (HDN) has signed a long-term deal with London City Bond which will see it transfer its in-house warehousing operations from Luton, Doncaster and Stirling into London City Bond’s (LCB) Olympus facility in Barking.

The move follows a review by HDN of its service capabilities and will allow for an improved nationwide delivery service combining both LCB and HDN delivery operations, with the new warehousing arrangements set to be fully operational by mid-August.

Andrew Bewes, managing director of HDN, said: “We are delighted to have forged this dynamic partnership with LCB and firmly believe that our shared dedication to customer service will drive significant benefits to our customers across the UK.

“The decision to consolidate and outsource our warehousing after 80 years was not an easy one, but the sustained growth in our business over recent years has seen us outgrow our own duty paid and bonded warehousing, and this solution gives us the flexibility to meet our ambitious development plans whilst improving our customer service which lies at the heart of our business.”

Hallgarten Druitt was established 80 years ago and is one of the UK’s largest specialised national wine distributors and agency companies, with a turnover of more than £44million.

Novum Wines, which was founded less than 10 years ago, was bought by Hallgarten Druitt in February 2010 to create Hallgarten Druitt & Novum Wines.

Its portfolio features more than 1,000 wines soured from agencies including Peter Lehmann (Australia), Gerard Bertrand (Languedoc), Marchesi de’ Frescobaldi (Tuscany), Michele Chiarlo (Piedmont), Feudi di San Gregorio (Campania), Saint Clair (New Zealand), Hamilton Russell (South Africa), Quady (California), and Carmen (Chile).

Alf Allington, managing director of LCB, said: “This is a great opportunity for LCB to work alongside such a well-established and respected company within the trade. Both organisations share core values that are built around a passion for service excellence and value in its people. We continue to invest in the development of our own business and look forward to a strong relationship as we support Hallgarten in its aspirations”

London City Bond dates back to the early 1870’s and is a privately owned tax warehousing specialist which offers a range of services to the wine and spirit sector serving both corporate and private customers.