Bibendum Wine Limited is merging with drinks importer the PLB Group. This union has led to the creation of The Bibendum PLB Group.
Bibendum’s merger with PLB allows for the implementation of a targeted channel strategy. The Group structure will see Bibendum and PLB focus on their core areas of expertise. Both businesses will continue to trade as separate trading companies, with Bibendum concentrating exclusively on serving the on trade business and PLB doing the same in the off trade.
The agreement between Bibendum and PLB is based on considerable synergies between the two businesses. Both were founded in 1982 and are independently owned. Both businesses share a customer-centric, insight driven approach and pride themselves on their long-standing supplier and customer relationships. Most significantly, both Bibendum and PLB are leaders in their respective fields and therefore coming together will mean the Group will be able to offer customers, not only the best possible service, but a service tailored specifically to their business needs.
Walker and Wodehouse Wines
It was also announced today that Walker and Wodehouse Wines has joined the group. Walker and Wodehouse, which has a history stretching back to 1794 and which has held a Royal Warrant since 1955, will focus on supplying independent merchants and regional wholesalers.
5 trading companies
The Bibendum PLB Group will be made up of five trading companies in total. Existing Bibendum trading arms, the Wondering Wine Company (consumer events) and Instil Drinks Company (Spirits and Beer Brand Agency), which will integrate PLB’s rapidly expanding beer division, complete the new group’s line up.
Jeffrey Fredericks, Founder and Chairman of PLB says: ‘PLB will continue to run as an individual trading company, but, as part of the Bibendum PLB Group, the vision of being able to offer the number one service to all areas of the UK trade will be realised. As a family business, it was very important to us that we found the right partner and we have found that with Bibendum. The two companies now join to become the UK’s most powerful independent drinks company and a unique route to market for any supplier.’
Michael Saunders, Chief Executive of The Bibendum PLB Group says: ‘Consolidation has been a widely discussed topic in the industry for several years as companies strive to grow in a low margin and complex market. By uniting the strengths of Bibendum with the strengths of PLB, and maximising the expertise within each trading company, our new group will be uniquely placed to offer customers the best possible service.’
About Bibendum PLB group
The Bibendum PLB Group exists as of 29th October 2014. The Bibendum PLB Group is a group of five trading companies which serve the drinks industry under the leadership of Chief Executive, Michael Saunders. John Osborne remains Managing Director of PLB and the Fredericks family will have a seat on the Board of The Bibendum PLB Group and will retain a stake in the Group as part of the agreement.
Bibendum Wine Ltd was established in 1982 in Primrose Hill, London and was started by a group of friends who began selling a mixture of classed growths and unusual bottles to private clients. Today Bibendum sells over 5 million cases of wine and spirits to around 4,000 trade customers each year, from Michelin-starred restaurants to independent pubs and international sporting venues.
For more information about Bibendum Wine Ltd click here
Family owned PLB Group was established in 1982, when Jeffrey Fredericks started supplying the supermarkets with own-label Spanish fortified wines. Since then the PLB portfolio has expanded and now offers a diverse range of wines and beers from some of the world’s biggest and best producers. Today PLB sells over 9 million cases of both own-label and brands to the UK off trade.
For more information about PLB Group click here
The Instil Drinks Company was founded in 2013 to distribute a standout portfolio of handpicked spirits, liqueurs and beers, working with producers who are passionate about their work. The Instil Drinks Co portfolio comprises brands including: Crystal Head Vodka, Plantation Rum, Opal Nera, Pierre Ferrand Dry Curacao, Citadelle Gin, Averna, 10 Saints Lager, Coopers Ales, Estrella Galicia, Everards, Fratello, Fiorente, Luigi Francoli Grappa, Pierre Ferrand Cognac and Daron Calvados and sells to all sectors of the trade, including wholesalers and distributors.
For more information about the Instil Drinks Company click here
Founded in 2011, The Wondering Wine Company is a mobile wine bar business. You can find its fleet of vintage Citroen H Vans and slick, modern Airstreams everywhere from street food festivals to international sporting and musical events. The Wondering Wine Company is the UK’s sole supplier of govino glassware, a range of stylish and eco-friendly polymer glasses.
For more information about the Wondering Wine Company click here
Previously John Harvey & Sons Ltd, Walker and Wodehouse Wines Ltd was formed in 2009. The 215 year legacy of John Harvey & Sons Ltd allowed the staff to continue working with the wine merchants and shipping trade set up over the years; close links and partnerships with growers and suppliers, nurtured over many years, are at the heart of achieving outstanding quality and exclusivities.
For more information about Walker and Wodehouse Wines Ltd click here