Kingsland has added FirstCape and Distell to its South African portfolio, which currently comprises Lutzville, Rickety Bridge and De Grendel, as part of a strategic partnership agreement with Brandphoenix.

The collaboration sees Kingsland take on the sales, marketing and distribution for the FirstCape and Distell ranges to the Impulse, Convenience, Wholesale and Cash & Carry sectors of the UK trade.  Brandphoenix will continue to work directly with the Multiple Retailers.

“We have worked with Brandphoenix on a UK packing basis for the last six years, and they really appreciate the high quality of service that we offer throughout our supply chain,” says Kingsland Managing Director Andy Sagar.  “In that time they’ve also seen the reputation we’ve built in areas beyond that; from developing our agency portfolio and routes to the market, to the added value we can bring via NPD, consumer insights and a consolidated sales, marketing and production approach.”

He continues, “The trading landscape out there is changing and very competitive, and both businesses recognise that the future has to be about companies collaborating on providing total solutions for our customers.  Kingsland will have a stronger South Africa portfolio with a ladder of products at different price points, reaching a broader customer and consumer base.  Brandphoenix will now benefit from the consistency and quality of service in these sectors that the Kingsland business can provide.”

Brandphoenix Managing Director Greg Wilkins adds, “This partnership with Kingsland is practical, logical and part of our joint long term goals.  Consistent, high quality production and service, together with sales expertise and reach will provide a powerful platform to deliver top level distribution and service levels to all our customers.  Our combined skill sets are key to the future development of these excellent brands from key producers – including communicating FirstCape’s heritage and authenticity to launching the superb new Nederburg 5600 range from Distell, South Africa’s largest producer of wine.”