Australian Vintage (AVG) and Burch Family Wines have entered a strategic partnership to expand the reach of wine brands, MadFish and Howard Park Wines, in the international market.
After a difficult 2024 for AVG, its interim financial report for FY25 reflected early progress in turning the winemaker’s fortunes around.
The company has entered into a contract subject to conditions precedent, where Burch Family Wines will retain brand ownership and distribution rights in Australia for MadFish, while AVG will acquire ownership of the product range internationally, as well as becoming the exclusive distributor of Howard Park Wines in the UK, Ireland, Europe and Canada.
Newly-appointed Australian Vintage CEO, Tom Dusseldorp, said MadFish is currently one of the top Australian wine brands in the UK market and growing, while Howard Park is a premium brand from the distinguished Margaret River region.
“These brands will complement Australian Vintage’s existing stable of award-winning labels, providing increased volume and value without increased overhead,” said Dusseldorp.
“Australian Vintage continues to focus on advancing shareholder value by accelerating capital-light growth through partnerships and innovations.”
“This partnership exemplifies how the wine industry can take an innovative approach to acquisitions. In challenging times wine companies have a unique opportunity to come together, leverage each other’s strengths and unlock mutual value. It takes visionaries like the Burch family to see this pathway. We are humbled by the trust and know that we will be stronger together.”
The company has also entered into a long-term sourcing and processing partnership with Burch Family Wines, to ensure continuity of quality as the MadFish brand grows. It is the vision of both parties to continue to produce and promote premium Western Australian wines that are expected by consumers the world over.
Burch Family Wines CEO, Jeff Burch, said partnering with Australian Vintage allows MadFish to scale internationally, while keeping the brand and its essence anchored in Western Australia, and a focus on crafting high-quality wines.
“MadFish began as a personal tribute to my coastal home – a love affair with place and wine – and has grown into something far greater than we ever expected,” said Burch.
“We are very pleased and excited to be partnering with Australian Vintage, their global customer relationships, distribution, bottling and network are world class and we are confident they can accelerate both MadFish and Howard Park’s presence across the globe.”
