United Wines celebrates 40 years of success
Craigavon-based drinks wholesaler United Wines is celebrating its 40th birthday in Northern Ireland, marking four decades of successful growth and innovation in the local beverage industry.
Founded in 1985, United Wines started life as a team of just five people, operating out of Elmwood Avenue in South Belfast with only one brand on its books – the Trinidad rum VAT 19.
Now a subsidiary of Heineken Ireland, the company has evolved into one of the biggest drinks distributors on the island of Ireland, working with some of the world’s most recognisable brands and proudly supporting local businesses across the country.
Operating from an 80,000 square foot warehouse on the Silverwood Road in Craigavon, with 55 staff on its books, the company handles the sales, marketing and distribution for a huge portfolio of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks to more than 1,000 bars, restaurants, hotels, off licenses, cash & carries, regional wholesalers and national multiples throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic.
Its extensive range incorporates well over 1,000 product lines, spread across more than 300 brands from countries all around the world, including Holland, Italy, Argentina, Chile, Spain, Italy, France, Australia, New Zealand and the USA.
United Wines Managing Director Martin McAuley, who has been with the company since its inception in 1985, reflects on the journey so far.
“When we started United Wines in 1985, we had a simple mission,” said Martin, “and that was to bring exceptional products and unmatched service to our customers in Northern Ireland.
“Forty years on, that mission still drives everything we do and I’m incredibly proud of what we have built — not just a successful business, but a family of colleagues and partners who share our passion for excellence. This milestone is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of our entire team, without whom our success over the past four decades would not have been possible.”
