Awards joy for JN Wines at international contest
Co Down based JN Wine has notched up a major accolade at the International Wine Challenge UK Merchant Awards, while a retailer it bought over also claimed two of the prestigious gongs.
The Crossgar company was recognised as the IWC Regional Merchant of the Year for Northern Ireland, while Highbury Vintners, which is acquired in 2019 won both the IWC Regional Merchant of the Year for London and the coveted IWC Small Independent Merchant of the Year award for the first time.
Managing director James Nicholson, said: ““This has been the most challenging period for the wine trade, we have never experienced anything like it, yet our team consistently rose to the challenge of providing our customers with the choice, value and service they have come to expect from JN Wine.
“Our business model changed a great deal as the hospitality sector was closed down for a long period and we pivoted to online sales and home deliveries. The team just didn’t stop, even now we are starting to take corporate gift orders for Christmas which I hope is a signal of more normal times returning.
“Sales in Highbury Vintners have grown by 55% in the past year, and we are continuing to invest to drive this growth further. We have also experienced a substantial increase in sales from Northern Ireland to the UK market since the introduction of the NI protocol.
‘Above and beyond’
“There have certainly been challenges across European markets but there have also been opportunities, particularly given our unique position and that we have bases now in a range of markets. We can deliver easily and efficiently, no matter where people are based.
“We were really thrilled to acquire Highbury Vintners, ensuring its legacy continues, and this recognition has really highlighted the success of this approach. Everyone across JN Wine and Highbury Vintners has gone above and beyond since the pandemic struck and have continued to offer a great service.
“Winning these prestigious awards is fitting recognition of their efforts and how we really work closely together to deliver on our commitment to offer high quality wines from family and artisan wineries around the world.”
Since the JN Wines takeover Highbury Vintners has doubled turnover with plans to expand the business further underway. Across the entire companies, online sales have increased more than 300% due to demand during lockdowns.
Following the introduction of the NI protocol, the company has also attributed its unique geographical positions to part of its success, with bases in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and GB.
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