Paragon clinches Champagne Jacquart deal

PLB Wines, which has worked with Jacquart since 2004, will continue to distribute the Reims-based house’s portfolio in the multiple grocery sector.

Paragon Vintners will focus on Champagne Jacquart's Mosaïque range, while PLB will handle the Tradition range. Champagne Jacquart’s Prestige, Special Cuvées and Vintages will be available through both distributors.

Jacquart managing director Jean-Marc Pottiez said, “An outstanding performance in 2007 confirmed our ranking as the world’s 10th biggest Champagne brand. The UK is one of our best performing export markets, now accounting for 23% of total exports, and PLB is helping us make fantastic progress in the leading UK supermarkets.

“We feel there is great potential in the on-trade, independent retailer and off-licence sectors. Paragon’s experience and know-how will certainly enable us to take full advantage of this. I am delighted and excited by the prospect of working with Paragon and PLB, two of the country’s best operators.”

Champagne Jacquart’s marketing strategy in the UK has developed over the past three years through activities such sponsorship of the Restaurant Show’s Premier Lounge for Sommeliers and VIPs and the 2007/8 launch of the Champagne Jacquart Rising Stars Trophy for young sommeliers and chef teams across the country.

The trophy is already established for young chefs in Paris, the Côte d’Azur and Belgium. The launch of the 2009 UK competition will take place at this year’s Restaurant Show, 6-8 October.