Three Years after Acquisition of Chicago-based Importer, González Byass Makes Its Market Presence Known
New York, NY, May 23, 2016 — In August of 2013, Spain’s González Byass, a family-owned producer of fine Spanish wines, Sherries and premium spirits, announced its acquisition of Chicago-based importer Vin Divino Ltd. Today marks the official change of Vin Divino’s name to González Byass USA (www.gonzalezbyassusa.com); the United States is the fifth country where González Byass operates as an importer, along with Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany and Mexico. In addition, they have an import team in the Far East.
The decision to control its own distribution in key international markets is a major long-term strategy for the company.
González Byass USA’s remainder of the portfolio includes wines from Italy, Austria, and France, and continues to grow. In 2015, the company began importing for three new French brands – Champagne Palmer, Leon Beyer, and Domaine de l’Arjolle – and continues to look to add wineries that are the best representations of their regions.
“The name change reflects the completion of the transition period between Vin Divino and González Byass’ previous importer. We now have distribution control over the full range of the González Byass portfolio, and can focus solely on continuing to expand the company’s presence in the market,” says Len Nowicki, President of González Byass USA.
Coinciding with the name change, the distribution of González Byass’ spirits portfolio has returned to González Byass USA with the following products: the Lepanto Brandy de Jerez range, the Soberano Brandy range, and Chinchón anise liqueur. González Byass USA will also continue to import The London No 1 Gin, which was launched in the U.S. market by Vin Divino in 2014. The company has continued to introduce several new products to the U.S. in 2016 as part of its continued push into the market, including: Nomad Outland Whiskey, which is aged in both Scotland and Jerez, and Beronia Rueda, a 100% Verdejo that is a result of the Rioja producer’s expansion into Rueda. Focus products for the U.S. market continue to be Tio Pepe and the Sherries as well as Beronia Rioja.
“We have achieved a great deal over the past three years as a result of the relationship between Vin Divino and González Byass,” says Board of Directors Chairman Mauricio González-Gordon. “The popularity of Spanish wine in the U.S. continues and we’re very optimistic about the future of our business here.”
