BELUGA GROUP becomes the exclusive distributor for Sogrape brands’ Mateus, Sandeman and Silk & Spice in Russia

BELUGA GROUP — one of Russia’s largest alcohol companies, and one of the leaders among the country's importers of wine and spirits in 2019 — continues to expand its portfolio of imported wines. The new agreement with Portuguese producer Sogrape, effective March 1, assigns the distribution of renowned brands such as Mateus, Sandeman and Silk & Spice in the Russian market to BELUGA GROUP.

• Mateus rose wines, which boast a presence in 125 countries around the world, have achieved immense popularity thanks to their characteristic style, lightness of taste, and aroma. Today, Mateus proudly offers the best-selling rosé wines in the world. The brand has maintained a constant presence in Russia since 2002 and is the No. 1 Portuguese wine in the country, according to the official customs statistics.
• Sandeman, the third largest brand of port and sherry wines in the world, was created in 1790 by George Sandeman. Over the course of their long history, its wines have been highly awarded and reviewed by top specialized press and wine contests, as for example the International Wine & Spirit Competition, Decanter World Wine Awards and International Wine Challenge.
• Silk & Spice Red Blend evokes the Age of Discovery and the Silk and Spice routes, pioneered by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century. For four years in a row the wine has been rated 90+ points by north-American magazine Wine Enthusiast, and selected as Best Buy.

Statement of Alexander Mechetin, CEO of BELUGA GROUP: ”Sales of imported wine brands increased by 39% in Q1 2020. We continue to expand this promising category by adding to our portfolio high-quality brands that are unique in their categories. As such, cooperation with the Portuguese Group Sogrape is an important step for BELUGA GROUP.

This partnership will allow us to present our consumers to Portugal as a winemaking country, as well as bring authentic wines such as Mateus and Silk & Spice, and Sandeman Port and Sherry wines to the Russian market. This serves to further development of wine culture in Russia”.

Statement of João Gomes da Silva, Chief Marketing and Sales Officer for Sogrape: “BELUGA GROUP is a leading producer and importer of wines and spirts in Russia, one that knows how to build strong brands for long-term success, one with several years of experience in the business and relevant presence in main distribution channels. We are thrilled to have our brands joining its portfolio and thus enabling new customer relationships. I am certain that this partnership will open up new prospects for Sogrape in the Russian market”.

About Sogrape

Founded in 1942 by Fernando Van Zeller Guedes, today Sogrape is a group of companies that produces one of the most popular rose wines in the world.

From the Douro region, where it all started more than 75 years ago, Sogrape reached the entire world, and currently produces wine in Portugal (Sogrape Vinhos Portugal), Spain (Bodegas LAN), Argentina (Finca Flichman), Chile (Viña Los Boldos) and New Zealand (Framingham), owning more than 1 500 hectares of vineyards worldwide. With distribution companies in Europe, America, Africa and Asia delivers its top-quality wines and great brands, from the classic Mateus Rose to the acclaimed Barca-Velha, to more than 120 countries.

Sogrape's originality and legacy are the result of the dedication of a large family of people who, led by Fernando da Cunha Guedes, 3rd generation of the founding family and  Executive President since 2015, strive for excellence in all areas in order to make the group a benchmark in the world of wine.