González Byass has assumed import responsibilities for its first prosecco brand in the US, and changed distribution partners in Germany.
The Spanish group’s namesake US subsidiary has taken over from Napa Valley-based Demeine Estates to import Villa Marcello prosecco into the country. According to Gonzalez Byass USA, which is headquartered in Chicago, prosecco is “an important and dynamic category in the US market”.
“The addition of Villa Marcello further establishes González Byass USA’s commitment to representing distinctive Italian wines with strong regional identity and a deep commitment to the environment,” it added. “With the millesimato brut, the company enters the prosecco category with an estate-grown expression … .”
In Germany, meanwhile, González Byass has agreed distribution for its sherry portfolio – including flagship Tío Pepe – as well as the London Nº1 Gin and Lepanto Brandy de Jerez marks, with Schlumberger Group. The Meckenheim-headquartered wine & spirits company took over from an undisclosed distributor following an agreement signed earlier this month.
Asked about González Byass’s strategy in Germany with its new distributor, a spokesperson said: “The aim is to stabilise and grow our brands … . We’ll work across on-trade and retail wholesale, specialist retailers, cash & carry and supermarkets & hypermarkets where it fits each product. Online is important too.”
Last month, González Byass USA added Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton’s non-alcoholic agave spirit, Almave, to its import roster in the country. The brand’s distribution is managed by Southern Glazer’s Beverage Co.
