Constellation Europe acquires Flagstone wines

Flagstone wines will now become the flagship brand in Constellation’s South African wine portfolio, giving consumers the opportunity to trade up from Kumala, the leading South African brand in the UK, through the recently-launched Fish Hoek range and up to Flagstone.

Kumala will now be produced by Flagstone winemaker Bruce Jack, who is said to be in the process of selecting wines from across South Africa for the 2008 vintage. This year will also see new packaging for Kumala and a “heavyweight” marketing campaign.

Fish Hoek was recently launched as a “stepping stone” brand from Kumala to the more premium Flagstone. The wines in the range, sourced from the Swartland region, will help introduce consumers to South African wines above £5.

Constellation Europe’s South African range also includes Ses’ Fikile, a joint venture with a company run by three black township women. The wines are currently sold through Marks & Spencer.

Troy Christensen, president of Constellation Europe said: “This is a strategically important move for Constellation Europe and we are delighted to welcome Flagstone to our international portfolio of fine wines. There is great potential for South African wines in the UK market. With Kumala as category leader, and under Bruce Jack’s guidance, I believe we will unlock this tremendous potential.”