Cert Octavian

United Brands appoints Cert Octavian as logistics partner

1st January 2008

United Brands, supplier of beers, wines and spirits has appointed Premium Product Logistics provider Cert Octavian to handle its distribution. Previously with DHL, United Brands will move all stock from Bawtry, near Doncaster to Cert Octavian's Middleton site in the new year, giving the company a better geographical location, cost efficiencies and greater growth flexibility.

The 12-month rolling contract will see Cert Octavian handle 300 pallets of stock that are picked to order for delivery nationwide, with pallet drop size ranging from one to four pallets.

Rob Preston and Mark Dawkins invested in United Brands in January 2007 and are now responsible for its strategic direction. 
The company's objective is to be a valued supplier with a balanced portfolio of premium spirits, complemented by selected wines and imported lagers.

Rob Preston, director, United Brands commented: "Choosing Cert Octavian was an easy decision to make for three main reasons. We know that they do a good job for other customers in the trade and they've shown a genuine and proactive interest in winning our business, which is unusual in a logistics partner. And that's what we want, a true partner that cares about our business and will really work with us to achieve our goals. Geographical location is also increasingly important to us, as we've just taken on Blackwood Gin, which is distributed right across the country."

United Brands will also benefit from Cert Online, which allows them internet-based visibility of the stock, proof of delivery and the ability to place orders online. The company will join Gonzalez Byass, D&D Wines and Esprit du Vin at Middleton, three companies similar in size and profile, which will allow them to benefit from delivery consolidation.

Michael Lainas, managing director, Cert Octavian explained: "Drinks brands increasingly want to work with a logistics provider with significant expertise in this sector, who can concentrate on their specific needs and group them with similar companies. Cert Octavian's extensive experience in this sector enables us to provide insightful supply chain solutions to companies of varying shapes and sizes."

United Brands' clients include Boru Irish Vodka, Gosling's Rum, Blackwood's Gin, Pallini Limoncello, Knappogue Irish Malt and Clontarf Irish Blended Whiskey. The company plans to expand its wine offering and Preston and Dawkins want to introduce a selection of new, UK-established wines.

Preston concluded: "We have ambitious growth plans for the company and it is important that our brands add dimension, credibility and value to their categories, benefit from targeted investment and are consistently available. We firmly believe that Cert Octavian can provide us with the focus and flexibility that we need to support the achievement of our goals."

For press enquiries please contact Emma Streets at Propaganda on emma.streets@propaganda.co.uk or 0113 287 0123