Cape Classics announces new partnership
Thursday, 25 July, 2002
Gary Shearer
New wine supplier to largest restaurant groups in the United States
Cape Classics Inc., one of the most influential and dynamic marketers of South African wine in the United States, has been identified as a new wine supplier to one of the largest restaurant groups in the United States, Darden Restaurants, Inc.
Darden recently selected the Indaba Chardonnay as a core item for a new restaurant concept that will be launched later this year, and has plans to list other Cape Classics brands in the restaurants.
Darden is headquartered in Orlando, Florida, and owns and operates more than 1,200 restaurants throughout the country. They employ over 133,000 people, and boasted annual sales of $4.4 billion for the fiscal year 2002 ending May 2002.
George Miliotes, Darden’s Director of Beverage & Service, New Business Division, visited the Cape earlier this month to oversee a new wine blend and visit several wineries. Mr. Miliotes is well acquainted with South African wines, and has used them in several restaurant programs over the years. He is excited to share these wines with a new bevy of consumers through the new concept restaurant.
Given the size and importance of Darden, Cape Classics Inc. views this announcement as one of the most exciting commercial developments in its 10-year history. André Shearer, President of Cape Classics Inc. says, ‘The Darden deal is yet another major vote of confidence in the future of the South African wine category in the United States, and the fact that Cape Classics is the focus of Darden’s interest in South Africa makes us very, very proud of our achievements in this difficult and competitive market.’
Cape Classics is based in New York City, and was recently named the ‘Best Wine Importer’ by American publication Food & Wine magazine. They represent the fine wines of Buitenverwachting, Haute Cabriere, Delaire, De Toren, Kanu, Klein Constantia, Meerlust, Mulderbosch, Raats Family, Rudera, Rustenberg and Thelema, and currently sell to thirty-three states.
Contact: Gary Shearer (CEO), Cape Classics Exports
Tel: (021) 881-3810
Email: wanda@capeclassics.co.za