Michael Barry, Managing Director at Barry & Fitzwilliam, commenting on the development, said: ‘This move confirms Barry & Fitzwilliam’s position as a market leader in the Irish drinks distribution industry. We are providing competitive advantage in that our customer relationships, diverse product offering, distribution and marketing capabilities and capacity utilisation meet the needs of the current challenging marketplace. The addition of these brands to our portfolio will further enhance our reputation as a key player in the industry and we are determined to deliver economies of scale for Constellation Europe. Our workforce is totally committed towards that goal and poised to deliver outstanding service and value to our clients who have shown such loyalty to our company over the years ’. The new brands include: Hardys, Robert Mondavi, Echo Falls, Nobilo, Stowells, Errazuriz, Villa Maria, Blackthorn Cider and Tauntons Cider.

Troy Christensen, President and CEO of Constellation Europe (owners of Allied Drinks Distributors), commenting on the move, said: 'Following a review of our routes to market in the Irish Republic we believe that our business interests in Ireland will be better served through a third party distributor arrangement, rather than through our wholly owned ADD business as at present. We believe Barry & Fitzwilliam has the capability and reputation to deliver sustained growth over the long-term.’ Constellation Europe is part of Constellation Brands Inc., the world’s largest wine company.

Barry & Fitzwilliam is now Ireland's largest independent drinks distributor, carrying over 100 international premium brands of wines, spirits and beer. The portfolio includes the multi national drinks groups Beam Global, Rémy Cointreau, Edrington, Australian Vintage and Corona Extra.