Kleine Zalze hatches independents plan
South African wine estate Kleine Zalze has signalled its intention to target the independent retailing channel in the UK by moving its entire portfolio of wines to Hatch Mansfield.
The Stellenbosch producer previously split its UK representation between Stevens Garnier, responsible for the off-trade with the Zalze and Foot of Africa ranges, and Hatch Mansfield, which looked after Kleine Zalze in the on-trade via Matthew Clark.
Kleine Zalze’s co-owner and managing director Kobus Basson said that the strategic decision to appoint Hatch Mansfield as its sole agency in the UK has been taken to align the producer’s UK sales and marketing activities.
“Stevens Garnier has done an exemplary job for us in the UK off-trade market and to be leaving them has certainly not been an easy decision.
“However, we feel we now need single representation for our business in the UK. Our experience of working with Hatch Mansfield in the on-trade, coupled with their reach into independent retailers and multi-channel approach, was a key consideration in making this important strategic move.”
The move will take immediate effect and stock will be available in the UK for the independent sector from September 1 2012.