The agreement is effective April 1 2014.

Stevens Garnier, based in Oxford and headed by Matt Douglas, is the UK subsidiary of the Portuguese family-owned group Sogrape.

Douglas said: ¨We are thrilled to be associated with such an important global brand as Mouton Cadet and look forward to building quality distribution for the wines.  Mouton Cadet is an excellent addition to our existing portfolio of world class, premium wine brands including Mateus, Sandeman, Finca Flichman, Mount Pleasant and many others.

Stevens Garnier will be entirely dedicated to retailers, cash and carry, convenient stores and multiples. Baron Philippe de Rothschild will maintain its existing on-trade distribution structure which includes Waddesdon Wines.