Birse-Stewart to Berkmann

Billy Birse-Stewart (left) and Fraser McGuire

WINE distributor Berkmann Wine Cellars is looking to build its presence in Scotland with the appointment of former Wine Importers managing director Billy Birse-Stewart.

Birse-Stewart, who left Wine Importers earlier this year, has joined the company as consultant director and will work with Berkmann on-trade sales director, Fraser McGuire, to expand the company’s distribution in Scotland.

Berkmann will end its existing distribution partnership with Wine Importers.

Rupert Berkmann, managing director of family-owned Berkmann Wine Cellars, said: “We take great pleasure in welcoming Billy to the Berkmann family. A key player in the Scottish wine trade and beyond, his unique experience and network will be a huge asset in helping us to achieve our growth ambitions. Building on the good work of Fraser and his team of dedicated account managers in Scotland, this appointment will enable us to further extend our expertise and impressive portfolio of key agency brands to our hospitality partners in Scotland.”

Birse-Stewart added that he felt “compelled to lend my experience and passion, in order that Scotland has access to Berkmann’s unrivalled portfolio of award-winning wines, marketing prowess and purchasing scale”.