Accolade Wines Acquires Leading New Zealand brands

01 Apr 2014 --- Accolade Wines has finalised the purchase of a suite of award-winning New Zealand wine brands including Mud House and Waipara Hills, and their assets, from the Mud House Wine Group.

In addition, the deal, initially announced last November, will see Accolade add the Dusky Sounds, Haymaker and Skyleaf brands to its extensive portfolio of New World wine brands.
Accolade Wines General Manager Asia Pacific, Michael East, said the purchase would cement Accolade's strategy of delivering a full service New World wine proposition globally across the value, mid-market and premium categories.

In November, Accolade Wines announced its agreement with Mud House Wine Group, which included operating the Waipara Hills cellar door and café and long-term leases over vineyards in key regions, pending approval by New Zealand's Overseas Investment Office.

Now that approval has been received, Mr East says Accolade is geared up to lift the brands' profiles in Australia, the United Kingdom, Europe, the United States and Asia.

"These brands are outstanding and cover varietals from key regions such as Marlborough for Sauvignon Blanc, Central Otago for Pinot Noir and aromatics from the Waipara Valley including Riesling and Pinot Gris," Mr East said.

"We have also secured long-term lease arrangements on over 400 ha of vineyards in important regions to supply the brands, and as well as an ongoing processing contract we have also taken on all existing grower-supply contracts, underpinning the future for the growth of these outstanding brands."

Accolade Wines will be retaining the New Zealand team, headed by current General Manager, MJ Loza, who will head up Accolade Wines New Zealand, along with key personnel including winemakers, and equally crucially will be taking on existing grower/suppliers.
Existing distributor relationships for the suite of Mud House brands and Accolade brands in New Zealand will not change.

"New Zealand's wines are respected and sought after around the world, but while New Zealand is synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc we believe that wine drinkers around the globe will soon discover its outstanding Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, while truly savvy wine buffs will seek out New Zealand Riesling," Mr East said.