CANADA. Vincor Canada has announced the appointment of Roger Provost to the role of President Sales and Marketing, Vincor Quebec. Quebec is the largest Vincor (Canadian domestic) market in volume as well as in value.
Provost returns to his native Quebec after ten years establishing Inniskillin as the leading icewine brand in over 65 countries.
The move follows the acquisition last month of Vincor by Constellation Brands. Vincor’s Canadian operations have become Vincor Canada, and Canada is now Constellation’s fifth core market, the others being the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand.
“Roger was a great partner who provided us with a clear strategy, the support and funds needed to build the [Inniskillin] brand into today’s leading and premium position.“ |
Lars Johansson, President, IUI |
In another key move, Randy Dufour is appointed to Export Director of all Vincor’s Canadian products. He will be based at Vincor’s headquarters in Mississauga, Ontario.
Dufour joined the Vincor Group in 2004 as Vincor’s Director of Estate Wines in the Sales Division, and a conduit for the wine press in Canada. He was previously a leading sommelier in Canada and was in charge of exports for Banfi Vintners.
In a statement Vincor said: “Randy will continue the ground-breaking accomplishments of Roger Provost and his team, having built Inniskillin Icewine into the leading wine brand in the travel retail channel. In addition Randy will be focusing on Jackson-Triggs Icewine and the premium table wines of both Niagara and the Okanagan: Le Clos Jordanne and Osoyoos Larose, respectively.”
Imagination Unlimited International (IUI) will continue to handle the travel retail market, where Inniskillin has enjoyed remarkable success over the past decade.
Commented on the announcements, IUI President Lars Johansson said: “Beverly [Johansson] and I shall sincerely miss Roger; one could not have had a better partner at the Vincor Corporate centre. Roger, Beverly and I shared the vision and drive to build Inniskillin Icewine to become one of the leading super premium brands of the world.
“Roger was indeed a great partner who provided us with a clear brand strategy, and the support and funds needed to build a brand into today’s leading and premium position. Roger understood what we needed. We shall miss his support, guidance, friendship and humour.”
Johansson added: “We are fortunate to be reporting to a senior manager with extensive international sales and marketing knowledge, and we welcome the opportunity to work with Randy. Together we shall continue our quest in building Inniskillin Icewine and other Canadian brands in the Vincor Premium Portfolio.”
MORE STORIES ON VINCOR
Constellation unveils Vincor integration plan – 17/07/06
Vincor shareholders approve acquisition by Constellation Brands – 02/02/06
Vincor’s Jackson-Triggs named Best Canadian Winery – 13/04/06
Inniskillin parent company Vincor sold to Constellation in C$1.5 billion deal – 03/04/06
