Rodney Strong Wine Estates, Southern Glazer’s sign distribution agreement

US-based family-owned wine company Rodney Strong Wine Estates has signed a distribution agreement with beverage alcohol distributor Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.

The agreement will help Rodney Strong to expand into 16 additional markets, which will help to strengthen its footprint in the US.

The deal also enables Rodney Strong to leverage Southern Glazer’s Proof e-commerce platform to drive growth for its portfolio.

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits CEO Wayne E Chaplin said: “Rodney Strong has been on a path of innovation that has fueled their growth and cemented their reputation as a leading producer of luxury wines.

“This expansion further strengthens the relationship between our two family-owned companies, and we look forward to helping them continue to capture additional opportunities across all trade channels.”

Founded in 1959, Rodney Strong Wine Estates includes Rodney Strong Vineyards, Davis Bynum Wines, Knotty Vines and UPSHOT Wines.

It sustainably farms nearly 14 estate vineyards and produces wines from Sonoma County’s appellations.

Meanwhile, Filipino rum brand Tanduay became the official partner of Milwaukee Bucks, a basketball team based in Milwaukee.

The two brands signed a three-partnership agreement after Tanduay forayed into the Wisconsin wines and spirits market last year.

As part of this partnership, the two brands created a co-branded packaging for Tanduay Rum. The Milwaukee Bucks-branded products will be available in Wisconsin early this year.

Milwaukee Bucks chief business development officer Matt Pazaras said: “We’re thrilled to expand our international partner footprint to the Philippines, which has one of the Bucks’ most engaged international fan bases, and we’re excited to bring Tanduay’s finest rum to Fiserv Forum and Deer District. We look forward to Bucks fans enjoying the world’s best-selling rum very soon. Tagay!”