We are embarking on a new chapter in the UK. New Generation has acquired the Boxford Wine Company Limited and confirmed an ongoing distribution partnership with Kumeu River in the UK.
34 years ago, Boxford Wine Company's Hugh Phillips tasted our 1986 Chardonnay, and the rest was history. Thank you to Hugh for such an incredible long term partnership. On behalf of the Brajkovich family, we wish him all the best for his retirement.
Below is a press release issued by New Generation.
New Generation acquires the Boxford Wine Company Limited and confirms ongoing distribution partnership with prestigious New Zealand estate, Kumeu River
London, United Kingdom (May 19th 2021) — New Generation is pleased to announce that following completion of the purchase of Boxford Wine Company, they will exclusively represent Kumeu River’s portfolio of internationally renowned wines with immediate effect, and will be handling the highly-anticipated 2020 vintage release.
Commenting on the transaction, Boxford Wine Company’s Hugh Phillips has said, “over many years, the Boxford Wine Company has worked very closely with the Brajkovich family to develop the UK market for Kumeu River. Since 1987 we have grown a high-quality customer following and developed long-standing relationships with the Who’s Who of the wine world. For Kumeu River, and the broader portfolio, New Generation are the ideal distribution partner who share our absolute focus on quality, together with compelling market presence, and expertise.”
New Generation Managing Director, James Booth, said, “We’re delighted to be picking up the mantle from Hugh and the Boxford Wine Company to represent the exceptional Kumeu River wines in the UK. The Brajkovich family are true pioneers, crafting world-class wines with integrity and energy. These traits and values resonate with us and we are excited to build on the significant achievements made by both Boxford and Kumeu River over the past 34 years.”
He continued, “In addition to its historical strong presence in the Fine Wine channel, Kumeu River is well positioned to benefit from opportunities presented by the reopening of the on-trade, as hospitality recovers and revitalises. We wish Hugh all the very best for his retirement and are delighted to welcome Boxford Sales Manager Alistair Luffingham to New Generation. His role as Kumeu River Commercial Manager will add crucial insight, continuity and experience.”
Kumeu River’s Marketing Director, Paul Brajkovich commented “Over the last 34 years we have had a wonderful association with The Boxford Wine Company and Hugh Phillips. We have achieved a great deal of recognition and respect for Kumeu River in the UK.”
He continued, “What started with a trip to New Zealand by Hugh Phillips in 1987 and subsequent attendance at the 1988 London Wine Trade Fair by Michael (Brajkovich) and myself, has developed and grown Kumeu River exports significantly in the UK. Discussions between Boxford and Kumeu River always focused on the quality of the wines and how to best present them to the trade. With Hugh’s retirement, it is fitting that New Generation take on and continue what Boxford and Kumeu River began. We look forward to a similarly long and successful partnership with New Generation.”
Ends
About Kumeu River
The Brajkovich family and Kumeu River Wines is a story that parallels the New Zealand wine industry.
From the pioneering days, through the establishment of the New Zealand wine industry to today, the Brajkovich family have been internationally recognised as producing world class wine.
The Brajkovichs are focused on and internationally recognised as producing world class Chardonnay. Just as the Brajkovich family has grown, so too has the winery itself. Extensions and additions mark the milestones that have seen business adapt and expand over the years. Today, the winery has 28 hectares of its own vineyards in Kumeu, and another 11 hectares from local growers. In 2017, the family purchased the Rays Road vineyard in Hawkes Bay, increasing their vineyard holding by another 25 hectares.
The Chardonnay wines of Kumeu River have gained a strong foothold in international markets, receiving outstanding accolades. The vineyard has gone on to become a globally recognised benchmark for non-Burgundy produced Chardonnay.
About New Generation
New Generation is an exclusive importer and wholesaler of wines, Champagnes and spirits from across the world. Working with family-owned, pioneering producers, New Generation is focused on supplying exceptional bottles, which are individual, authentic, bottled at source, and a true expression of their origin.
The New Generation portfolio consists of bottles ‘with an edge’, products that stand out from the crowd, challenge perceptions and are made by inspirational people. We represent many multi-award-winning wine producers, including; Boekenhoutskloof, Reyneke, Porseleinberg, and Robertson Winery (South Africa), Pegasus Bay, Valli and Auntsfield (New Zealand), Domaine George Lignier et Fils (Burgundy), Château Tournefeuille (Bordeaux), Château la Mascaronne (Provence), Thunevin Calvet (Roussillon), and Jean Luc Thunevin (Bordeaux, including Ch. Valandraud Grand Cru Classe A St Emilion and Virginie de Valandraud), Churchill’s (Portugal), Guerrieri Rizzardi (Italy), Cousiño Macul and Viňa Von Siebenthal (Chile).
Our exclusive Champagne range consists of two of the world’s most admired Champagne houses, Champagne Armand de Brignac and Domaine Henri Giraud.
Our small batch, premium, family-owned spirits range includes Elderwood English Spirits, Kaiyo Whisky, Romano Levi, Savage London Dry Gin, Moncreiffe Scotch Whisky, Bristol Classic Rums, Corte Vetusto Mezcal, Van Brunt Stillhouse (Brooklyn) and Domaines Francis Abecassis (Cognac).
Contact: Valerie Lewis, valerie@newgenwines.com, 07778 125735
Hugh's letter to Michael in 1987, sparking the start of a 34 year partnership.
Milan Brajkovich and Hugh Phillips.