The major port brand of Delaforce has been sold to Royal Companhia Velha.
The Delaforce family sold the firm in 1968 to Croft and in turn the two firms were purchased by the Fladgate Partnership (which owns Taylor’s, Fonseca and Croft) seven years ago.
No land or winery change hands through this new deal. Instead the brand name has been sold and a deal created by which Fladgate makes the ports for RCV.
RCV was established in 1756 and today has a strong Port trade in Brazil, Germany and Portugal. Delaforce is a leader in both Germany and the Netherlands.
Adrian Bridge, Fladgate’s managing director, said the RCV deal would offer security.
‘I would rather have long-term supply contracts with people in the port business than sell the standard wines we do not need to a continental supermarket, which will switch supplier for a few cents per bottle.’
Fladgate now intends to focus its effort behind its three brands, Taylor, Fonseca and Croft.
Written by Conal Gregory MW
