IWB: the ‘Grande Alberone’ brand grows by 20% in the first half of 2018 and arrives in the Russian Federation

Milan, 31 July 2018 – Italian Wine Brands (AIM Italia – Ticker IWB), the leading wine group listed on the AIM market and a reference player in the production and distribution of wines at an international level, has successfully launched the commercial distribution of the ‘Grande Alberone’ brand in Russia during the half-year just ended.

Four wines from the ‘Grande Alberone’ line were initially launched on the Russian market: two different reds (one of which is organic), a rosé – a cuvée of the best Italian grape varieties – and a Chardonnay, the result of research into the finest white grape varieties of southern Italy.

Already distributed globally in Europe, North America and Asia, the ‘Grande Alberone’ brand recorded strong growth in the first half of 2018, equal to about 20%, compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. With the start of distribution in Russia, IWB expects a further strong positive boost to its international appreciation, already affirmed by the numerous industry awards won over the last decade.

The ‘Grande Alberone’ line, first introduced to the market in 2009, has over time gained a prominent position in the ‘popular premium’ segment, receiving important recognition from industry critics and end consumers.

Alessandro Mutinelli, President and CEO of Italian Wine Brands, comments: ‘The IWB group’s vision is to position its products with its own brands wherever quality wine is consumed. Starting distribution of one of our top brands in Russia is therefore part of this strategy. The Group already has a strong international presence (75% of turnover from abroad) and Russia could become another important market, with around 145 million inhabitants who love the food and beverages from our renowned country’.

Italian Wine Brands (IWB) is the first Italian wine group to be listed on the Italian Stock Exchange (2015) and is a leading player in the production and distribution of wines. The Group ended the 2017 financial year with a turnover of €149.74 million, with over 75% of revenues generated abroad. With over 48 million bottles sold each year and over 1 million shipments to private customers across Europe, IWB produces quality wines from the most renowned Italian wine-growing areas and distributes them globally through various sales channels. With its own brands, the Group covers all the needs of our customers in the retail sector, direct sales and the Horeca channel.