Container glass manufacturer Encirc has signed a multi-year agreement with wine maker and distributor Australian Vintage Ltd (AVL).
The deal sees the Chester-based firm become AVL’s exclusive bottler for the UK, building on an existing six-year relationship that culminated in Encirc bottling more than 12.5m litres for AVL in 2015.
From this month, the portfolio of AVL wines packed by Encirc will expand to include McGuigan brands such as Classic, Black Label, Reserve and Signature.
Encirc’s sales director, Gillian Walters, said: "Over the last few years, we have developed a fantastic relationship with AVL and we recognise that ensuring an effective route into the UK is a key business priority for them.
"The demand for Australian wines is on the rise in the UK market.”
She continued: "By making use of our unique, purpose-built manufacturing and packing facility in Cheshire, AVL has optimised operational costs both financially and in terms of carbon output, while capitalising on this period of growth.”
AVL’s general manager for the UK, Julian Dyer, hailed the companies’ "successful relationship” first struck in 2009.
Julian explained: "We are delighted to be working closely with Encirc to provide customers with the highest quality, availability and service levels possible, as well as efficient consolidation and distribution solutions.
"Packaging our products with Encirc in the UK has increased the level of sustainability in our supply chain, which is a core focus for our business.”
He added: "Our aim going forward is to further support Encirc’s sustainability goals whilst maintaining the excellent levels of service we see.