Importer appoints new team

Drinks importer PLB has made four new appointments as it bids to expand the company's presence in the on-trade.

Headed up by sales managers Jonathan Piggott and Richard Volpi, the now seven-strong team will be responsible for increasing distribution of PLB's portfolio of wines, beers and ciders in the independent trade via a network of regional wholesalers and brewers.

Matt O'Connor, Gemma Vardegaal and Ian Barrie were formerly with Paragon Vintners, and Matthew Johnson joins PLB from regional wholesaler Dayla.

PLB began importing wines 25 years ago and has grown to become one of the UK's largest suppliers to the multiple trade. Set up five years ago, the PLB Wholesale Division currently accounts for around 10 per cent of the company's total sales.

Piggott said he aims to double that figure within the next two years. "We have access to the entire PLB portfolio on an ex-cellars basis and are already working to build our UK stock of premium wines from selected agencies as the new members of the team all have extensive experience of working with higher end products," he said.