Bordeaux-based Baron Philippe de Rothschild SA and Shaw Ross International Importers, LLC have entered into an exclusive U.S. import agreement for its French branded wines, Mouton Cadet, the world’s best-selling Bordeaux wine, and the Pays d’Oc varietals. Shaw Ross International will take over from Constellation Brands USA, which imported Baron Philippe de Rothschild wines until August 2017.

“We are delighted to have entered into this new import agreement with Shaw Ross International. Mouton Cadet features unique style and the finest winemaking skills backed up by Baron Philippe de Rothschild’s history. With its team’s expertise and our shared vision of excellence, we are very confident that Shaw Ross will continue to build the most efficient network of distributors and play a major part in the performance of Mouton Cadet and our French branded wines on the American market,” says Philippe Sereys de Rothschild, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of Baron Philippe de Rothschild.

According to Shaw Ross, the deal represents a unique opportunity to further develop the distribution of Mouton Cadet within the U.S. marketplace. Even though Mouton Cadet is legendary among many wine drinkers, there is still room for additional growth.

“We are honored to include Baron Philippe de Rothschild’s French brands in our portfolio as we share the same values of quality and innovation,” says Bruce Hunter, Managing Director of Shaw Ross. “Thanks to our diverse and strategic balance of wines from prestigious family companies, and our field of expertise in ensuring the best and most efficient distribution, we are particularly looking forward to taking Mouton Cadet a step further in its U.S. development.”

There is a rich history of Mouton Cadet within America, dating all the back to the 1950s. Mouton Cadet was created in 1930 by the legendary Baron Philippe de Rothschild (who passed away in 1988). It was first introduced to the American market in the 1950s with great success.

Since that time, Mouton Cadet has experienced significant growth not just in America, but also in other key global markets. In fact, it has expanded  its international distribution and leadership to 150 markets, becoming the best-selling Bordeaux brand worldwide. For many wine drinkers, in fact, Mouton Cadet is synonymous with Bordeaux.

The transition from Constellation Brands USA to Shaw Ross International is expected to be seamless. Shaw Ross, despite its smaller size, has also experienced significant growth over the past few decades. Founded in 1968 as a wine and spirit importer representing a handful of brands, Shaw Ross has grown into one of the nation’s leading importers representing 35 suppliers from around the world.

Shaw Ross continues to evolve its portfolio to keep ahead of the ever-changing wine and spirits industry. With the addition of Baron Philippe de Rothschild wines to its portfolio, there are several strategic options available to grow distribution even further and bring Mouton Cadet to younger drinkers who may not be fully aware of the wine tradition behind Baron Philippe de Rothschild.