Press Release, 4th July 2023

C&C group, one of the UK’s largest and leading drinks distributors and manufactures has added Yealands Wine Group to its best-in-class wine portfolio. C&C’s portfolio includes some of the world’s most respected producers and Yealands is a welcomed addition, giving customers an even more exciting variety of wines to choose from.

Yealands wines are available now and will be distributed to On-Trade customers via Matthew Clark and to the Off-Trade through Bibendum Off Trade.

Established in 2008, on the North-eastern tip of New Zealand’s South Island, Yealands is one of the most sustainable wineries in the world.

Sustainability is at the heart of their winemaking philosophy, from the careful management of their vines and land, to the way they sustainably operate their winery, and craft their wines. This includes the installation of one of the largest rooftop solar panel installations in New Zealand, which provides 15% of the power needed to run their winery. They are also the first winery in the world to be ‘Toitū carbonzero’ certified. Yealands Wines also play an important role in the community they operate in, investing into local initiatives that help build community assets, such as the annual Yealands Marlborough Sustainability Initiative.

Chief winemaker Natalie Christensen oversees the winemaking of three ranges; Yealands, Petal & Stem and Babydoll. Renowned for their Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, they also produce many other varieties including Pinot Gris, Albarino and Pinot Noir. Yealands wines have won a host of international awards, most recently, their Yealands Estate Single Block S1 Sauvignon Blanc 2022 was awarded the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc Trophy at the 2023 International Wine Challenge.

Harriet Kininmonth, Wine Buying Director for C&C group comments; ‘Yealands are one of the most well-respected wine producers in New Zealand, and we are honoured that they will be joining the C&C wine portfolio. We know that our customers will love their wines. Yealands commitment to sustainability is unparalleled and they are real trailblazers. This makes them a perfect fit for C&C group where our ESG strategy is ‘delivering to a better world.’ ‘

Tiffani Graydon, Chief Executive Officer of Yealands Wine Group adds: “The UK market plays a significant role in our strategic plan for brand building and with C&C’s proven success in delivering premium wine growth, we’re excited to be partnering with them to bring UK consumers more great quality New Zealand wines”.

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About Yealands Wine Group

Yealands Wines launched in August 2008 with the ambition of becoming a world leader in sustainable wine production. In addition to winning numerous international accolades for the quality of their wines, the company’s innovative approach to sustainable wine production has seen the extensive restoration of native vegetation within their vineyards to promote biodiversity and provide a habitat for native birds and insects and the installation and utilisation of renewable energy initiatives.

Yealands is the first winery in the world to be Toitū carbonzero certified from day one. The company has achieved a -34 % reduction in organisational emission intensity since 2013 and is a founding member of the International Wineries for Climate Action – the first agricultural initiative to be accredited under the United Nation’s “Race to Zero” programme. Yealands has set the ambitious target of a 50% reduction in emissions by 2030 with the additional goal of becoming carbon positive by 2050.

Yealands is proudly New Zealand owned and has established itself as one of New Zealand’s prominent wine producers, creating premium quality sustainable wines that are exported to over 65 countries.