Published on Thu, 04/12/2014, 11:03:00 - By James Atkinson

Woolworths Liquor Group (WLG) has announced that it has acquired China‐based distributor of Australian wine brands including Yalumba, Kingston Estate, Jim Barry, Rockford and more.

Summergate Fine Wines and Spirits (Summergate) represents a portfolio of around 80 global brands in total. It also includes a small fine wine retail business, Pudao, with two stores in Shanghai and Beijing, as well as a small online and direct retail operation.

Summergate has 13 offices and 11 distribution centres and employs more than 400 people. It was established in Shanghai in 1999 by Ian Ford and Brendan O’Toole, who have agreed to remain with the business.

Woolworths CEO, Grant O’Brien said; “This is a very small step into China, capitalising on our liquor expertise. We have a conservative investment lens, particularly in relation to international acquisition opportunities. Summergate is predominantly a distribution business and fits well with our supply chain and liquor capabilities.” 

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