Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/288975
Exports Wente Family Estates export business continues to be a relevant part of the winery's wholesale success. The The WFE brands are exported to more than 70 countries. Four of their partners as 2013 Legacy recipients were recognized: Fells & Sons in the U.K. Global Wineries in Belgium International Cellars in Western Canada Importation Épicurienne in Quebec John Lohr of Associated Distributors with Chris Giudice of WFE. ROOKIE OF THE YEAR Associated Distributors/The Charmer- Sunbelt Group – Virginia "Associated has offices in Roanoke/Richmond/ Tidewater, VA and they kicked off the Wente Family Estates portfolio in the first part of April 2013 and ended the year up 22%. TIER TWO Southern Wine and Spirits of Pennsylvania WFE portfolio sales grew by 38%. Wente Vineyards was up 43% over the 2013 goal. "We all know life in a control state poses its opportuni- ties and challenges. We are pleased to welcome Chuck Silio and Mark Schaffer to their first Legacy Award and recognize what they have done this past year." Glazer's of Missouri Glazer's of Missouri had an outstanding year in 2013, posting a total portfolio growth of 28% over 2012. "They personify what we value in a distributor partner: growing our points of distribution in the right accounts." TIER THREE Lipman Brothers Inc. – Nashville, TN Lipman's Charlie Jackson, Patrick Kerrigan and Todd Sneed with WFE's Bridget Epp. In 2013, Lipman grew total brands by 24% and grew accounts sold 32%. Established in 1939, Lipman Brothers is the oldest distributor of wine and spirits in middle Tennessee and the largest distributor in the state. Horizon Beverage Company – Rhode Island Angelo Collins, Ben Rubenstein and Chris Giudice of WFE. Horizon had overall depletion growth of 33% for the WFE portfolio. "We launched our partnership with Horizon just two years ago and they have never looked back. They said they were going to be one of the best distributors and so far, they have certainly achieved their place in this room. They delivered on their promise of putting our brands into the market in the right accounts." Carolyn Wente with Heather Alper, Mike Singler, Barkley Stuart and Isaiah Hultman of Glazer's with Bridget Epp of WFE. In 2011 the WFE portfolio had 50 accounts serviced in Missouri; in 2012 it grew to 135 and in 2013 it grew to 185 accounts—up 270 percent! Off-premise grew every brand by at least 50%, with 75% growth in Wente alone. april 2014 / the tasting panel / 95 TP0414_072-101.indd 95 3/24/14 3:31 PM