Manchester-based wine wholesaler, importer and producer Boutinot is set for international growth after securing a £5.5m funding package from HSBC UK.
Boutinot will use the funding to expand its vineyard operations in South Africa and New Zealand, while also increasing capacity at its UK winery to bring more production processing in-house.
In South Africa, the company is expanding its 700 sq m winery with the creation of a new 326 sq m cellar. This investment will increase volume and help secure key industry accreditations, opening up access to new international markets from the region, the wholesaler said.
Boutinot is also doubling the size of its UK winery facilities by creating additional storage space for ageing bottled wines. The funding will also enable it to invest in solar panels and packaging process machinery, which will allow the business to bring a number of currently outsourced services in-house.
In New Zealand, where Boutinot acquired a 10-hectare vineyard and 1,300 sq m winery located in Upper Moutere in 2017, the investment will be used to upgrade vineyard operations through the purchase of new farm equipment.
The business expects to see “significant growth” in turnover over the next 12 months as a result of targeting both UK and international growth.
“This funding from HSBC UK marks a further exciting milestone in Boutinot’s international growth journey,” said Boutinot commercial director Michael Moriarty. “It enables us to make strategic, long-term investments across our operations in South Africa, New Zealand and the UK.
“By bringing more of our processes in-house and increasing our footprint in key regions, we’re strengthening our production and supply chain whilst positioning Boutinot for significant growth in new and existing markets.
“It’s an exciting time for the industry so it’s fantastic to be looking to the future with ambitious plans and the backing of a major international bank.”
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