Matthew Clark Bibendum pledges to improve service after sale

Bibendum Wines, Matthew Clark and several subsidiary brands were bought by Magners cider owner​​ C&C Group last week after their parent company Conviviality announced its intention to file for administration.

The deal saved 2,000 jobs and means the businesses will continue to trade independently with C&C’s support. 

The sale included Walker & Wodehouse Wines, PLB Group, The Wondering Wine Company, Peppermint and Catalyst. 

Under Conviviality the brands supplied over 23,000 on-trade sites including independent restaurants and pub groups such as JD Wetherspoon.

In a message to customers the group said it was “committed” to improving service and supply levels.

It promised that all contracts will be upheld, and outstanding supplier payments and retrospective discount payments will be met.

“We would like to apologise for the impact on our customers and suppliers over these past weeks and to reassure that we are working closely with partners across all categories to bring stock levels and service back to the excellent standards we hold ourselves to,” says James Lousada, commercial director of Matthew Clark and Bibendum.

“We are all incredibly proud of our business, our priority is to get our service back on track as quickly as possible. On behalf of our team across the country, thank you to all of our customers and suppliers for your patience and support.”

Former stock market darling Conviviality issued shock profit warnings​​ in March after discovering a £30m unpaid tax bill. It sought to raise £125m from investors to settle the bill and pay creditors, but failed to do so.

Conviviality’s retail brands, including the Bargain Booze and Wine Rack brands, have been purchased by Bestway Wholesale.