LWC Wine Merchants & Shippers wins exclusive SA Brain supplier contract after virtual lockdown pitch & tasting
-Wine distributor won tender after entirely zoom-based pitch, presentation and tasting-
LWC Wine Merchants & Shippers – a leading distributor of fine wines to the independent free trade – has won an exclusive supplier contact with SA Brain, Wales’ largest brewer and hospitality company, after hosting its first ever virtual pitch.
From August 2020 all 100 of SA Brain’s wales-based managed and 60 partnership tenanted pubs transitioned to having their wine supplied to them exclusively by LWC Wine Merchants & Shippers.
Back at the start of the UK’s first national lockdown, LWC Wine Merchants & Shippers responded to SA Brain’s request for tender by co-ordinating an entirely virtual presentation and wine tasting for the group’s key stakeholders, with excellent results.
Alistair Darby, SA Brain Chief Executive commented: “As part of the roll-out of our order/pay solution, the decision was taken to simplify processes across the business and create fewer but better food and drink menus that would make both the customer and employee digital user-journey as seamless as possible.
“The team at LWC demonstrated how they could create simple - but exceptionally good quality - menu pairings based around our new digitally-focused strategy and hosted a rather incredible virtual tasting.”
As a result of the new partnership, LWC Wine Merchants & Shippers will see their distribution footprint in Wales increase significantly
Shaun Healy, wine director at LWC Merchants & Shippers commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering with SA Brain and supporting the business in achieving its new strategic objectives.
“As both a brand owner and distributor, LWC Wine Merchants & Shippers strives to bring only the best in product quality, passion and service to its customers and our team of highly skilled wine development managers cannot wait to bring this experience to the SA Brain group.
“From basic menu development, pairing suggestions or a complete list overhaul, our wine development managers are here to support and are looking forward to working with the SA Brain teams, however and wherever they need us, moving forward.
“Hosting a pitch as significant as the SA Brain pitch, virtually, was certainly a new experience for the team and not without its operational challenges. Numbering, labelling and shipping 40 bottles of wine from home, without access to a depot was an experience the team certainly won’t forget!”
In addition to access to LWC’s vast portfolio of award winning wines - many of which LWC Wine Merchants & Shippers import to the UK exclusively - SA Brain will also benefit from support from the distributor’s team of WSET qualified wine development managers, providing them with a tailored service and constant knowledge stream.
Back in May, LWC Wine Merchants & Shippers scooped 42 gongs – including seven Gold - at this year’s Sommelier Wine Awards, further bolstering the credentials of its award winning wine portfolio.
For more information on how LWC Wine Merchants & Shippers can support your outlet, please get in touch with Sheryl Foster (Sheryl.foster@lwc-drinks.co.uk)