Drinks distributor wins €18m deals

THE Cork-based Barry & Fitzwilliam independent distributor of international wines, spirits and beer brands, has clinched direct distribution contracts with a number of drinks groups that will be worth e18 million a year to the group.

Due to come into effect on April 6, the new contracts involve such major names as Beam Global Spirits & Wine; Bols Amsterdam; The Edrington Group; Rémy Cointreau Group; SPI Group; and involve a total of 23 internationally-recognised brands.

Michael Barry, group managing director, said that the value of the new deals will add significantly to group turnover which was over e83m in 2008.

The contracts will “copper fasten our reputation” as Ireland’s leading independent drinks importer, said Barry, adding they are also a vote of confidence in the firm’s sales and marketing abilities.

These new deals were negotiated following the restructuring at the former pan-European distributors, Maxxium Worldwide.

That change opened up the opportunity for Barry & Fitzwilliam to deal directly with the brand owners, he said. As a result the firm will revert to its original name, Barry & Fitzwilliam, from April 6 when the new distribution deals kick in.

The company employs 80 people and is headquartered at a 50,000sq ft bonded warehousing facility at Airport Road, Cork.

Its administration centre in based in Dublin.