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Cottesbrook's New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wine to Tesco

Rupert Tipples (Agriculture and Life Sciences Division, Lincoln University, Canterbury, New Zealand)

British Food Journal

ISSN: 0007-070X

Article publication date: 18 April 2008

1486

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this case study is to explore how a relatively economically insignificant business can gain and maintain access to a major supermarket chain on the other side of the globe in a world oversupplied with fine wines.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the approach to case studies recommended by Lyons (2005), this case study is built on semi‐structured interviews with key informants, previous experience, observations, documentary and web resources, combined in a process of triangulation to ensure reliability and content validity.

Findings

The nature of the problems facing a small wine producer are described, followed by an account of how access to Tesco was achieved and maintained. Personnel with previous Tesco contact were found to be vital to gaining access. Providing exactly what the supermarket wanted, when it wanted it and with reliability to continue supply over time were found to be critical as was the role of the channel coordinator. Supplier/supermarket loyalty was able to survive opposition. Maintaining good relationships in the supply chain was supported at all levels by active participation of the supplier's principals, in all stages of the chain, both personally and in developing solutions to the supermarket's problems.

Originality/value

The case study describes the first successful export of wine from New Zealand to Britain for sale in Bag‐in‐Box containers and how this is far more efficient in “food miles”.

Keywords

Citation

Tipples, R. (2008), "Cottesbrook's New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc wine to Tesco", British Food Journal, Vol. 110 No. 4/5, pp. 444-459. https://doi.org/10.1108/00070700810868951

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2008, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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