Bestway Wholesale, the UK’s leading independent wholesaler, is expanding its wine offer with new lines designed to help on-trade operators capitalise on consumer trends.
Wine sales in the on-trade are valued at £3.9bn by the IWSR, with wine accounting for almost 20% of the value of drinks bought when consumers are out in pubs, bars and restaurants. Helping operators maximise the opportunity, Bestway’s new additions are Royal Prosecco, Villa Principal Rioja Tempranillo and two ranges: the Toro Riendo own label ‘everyday’ Spanish wines and the Cellier D’Or range of French wines, which will be sold exclusively by Bestway in the UK.
Prosecco overtook Champagne as the UK’s favourite sparkling wine last year. Roopinder Toor, Bestway licensed category controller, said “We have seen triple digit growth in Prosecco sales at Bestway over the last year, and are delighted to be bringing Royal Prosecco to market.
“It is a quality brand, produced in Treviso which has continually proven itself as the home of the best Prosecco, and offers bright and fresh fruit flavours that make it the perfect sparkler for a range of occasions, whether accompanying food in a restaurant or sharing with friends in the bar on a night out.”
He added, “Royal Prosecco is a worthy addition to Bestway’s sparkling wine offer. Both our Royal Cava and Lelac Champagne are multi-award winners.”
Spanish wine sales have grown across the board, with Rioja achieving a 10% increase last year. A third of all wines from the Rioja region are exported to the UK.
Villa Principal Rioja Tempranillo is produced for Bestway by winemakers with more than 100 years’ experience and is a rich, fruity wine of exceptional quality. Toor commented, “Sales of Rioja through Bestway are ahead of the market growth, which is already impressive. Such is its popularity in the UK that it is becoming a ‘bar call’ and Villa Principal is a wonderful example of the style which will enable operators to make exceptional margins.”
With the growth of Rioja, consumers are exploring the wider Spanish wine offer – a trend which the Toro Riendo range of everyday wines caters for with its five variants: dry, medium and sweet whites, a medium bodied red and a medium dry rosé.
Bill Creighton, Bestway wine category manager, said, “The Toro Riendo (Laughing Bull) range presents a playful, modern image. Bar fridges are full of new world wines, but Europe still has a key role to play and Toro Riendo is the perfect opportunity for licensees to capitalise on the category.”
Finally, completing the new line up is an exclusive label from France, Cellier D’Or, which comprises red, white and rosé variants.
Royal Prosecco and Villa Principal Rioja Tempranillo will be promoted in Bestway and Batleys depots throughout February with a discounted case price of £29.99 and £24.99 respectively, and will also be available for free delivery.
Bestway offers its customers a range of added value services to help them grow their wine business, including: wine list advice and printing, and guidance on selecting wines to match food menus.