Hallgarten & Novum Wines partners with UETA MEA, extends global travel retail footprint

The new collaboration will see Hallgarten become a core premium wine supplier to UETA MEA’s operation in the Middle East.

Feb 19, 2025 - 16:34

Hallgarten & Novum Wines partners with UETA MEA, extends global travel retail footprint

UK-based wine importer Hallgarten & Novum Wines has struck up a new partnership with diplomatic supply specialist UETA MEA. The collaboration will see Hallgarten Wines become a core premium wine supplier to UETA MEA’s operation in the Middle East.

As reported, Falic Group, owners of Duty Free Americas, announced the launch of UETA MEA late last year. The business is headquartered in Dubai with plans to extend its reach into Europe and Asia.

JetVine Consultancy Owner Kelly Stevenson (left) and Hallgarten & Novum Wines International Director of Sales Steve Gerrard are joining forces to leverage Hallgarten’s offer across existing and new travel retail business

UETA MEA General Manager Joe Swords said: “We are delighted that Hallgarten & Novum Wines has expanded into the global travel retail sector, helping us to develop our premium wine offering in the Middle East. We have been particularly impressed with the Hallgarten team’s portfolio and ability to service our operation from its base in the UK.”

Hallgarten Wines has enlisted the services of Kelly Stevenson, the owner of JetVine Consultancy. She will work exclusively with Hallgarten & Novum Wines International Director of Sales Steve Gerrard as a consultant to advise and support the company in leveraging its proposition across both existing and new global travel retail clients.

“Global travel is my passion, and I was thrilled when Steve and the team got in touch to help launch Hallgarten Wines’ Global Travel Retail offering to the trade,” Stevenson said. “The sector is vast and wide open for new entrants to the market. With Hallgarten Wines’ proposition they are able to streamline the process for retailers and operators, offering them access to some of the world’s finest wines.”

“We specialise in wine and wine only – the root of our knowledge and expertise”

Hallgarten & Novum Wines was established in 1933 and purchased by Coterie Holdings in 2023.

Regarded as one of the UK’s leading specialist wine distributors, Hallgarten & Novum Wines’ portfolio offers a selection of over 1,000 wines from some of the world’s finest producers.

In 2018, the business achieved the ISO 14001 accreditation for its dedication to minimising its environmental impact, as well as successfully meeting all criteria to attain the Silver Investors in People accreditation in 2023.

“We believe there is a significant opportunity to simplify and improve the logistics of the global travel retail wine supply chain,” Gerrard added. “Through leveraging our strong partnerships with our winery, warehousing and distribution partners, we are able to offer a comprehensive solution that supports the needs of global retailers and operators. Our aim is to provide a seamless experience for rail, air and sea operators, helping them to optimise operations while offering a selection of world-class wines.

“We are thrilled to have Kelly on board to help guide our efforts in the global travel retail sector. Her expertise in this space will be invaluable as we continue to expand our reach and bring our efficient solutions to a wider audience.”

As reported, nominations for TREX – The Moodie Davitt Report’s groundbreaking travel retail-exclusive awards – close in just a couple of days.

Submissions are welcome until 21 February, with all entries set to be evaluated on 5 March.

The event has already attracted an encouraging number of entries, highlighting the importance of the initiative and channel-exclusive products. Winners will be revealed at a virtual ceremony taking place on 26 March.

Entries can be submitted via the dedicated website.