Australian Vintage recruits Sainsbury's Julian Dyer

Australian Vintage is beefing up its off-trade team with the recruitment of Sainsbury’s senior wine buyer, Julian Dyer.

Dyer, who has worked for the supermarket for 16 years, takes up the post of senior business manager at AV on March 5.

Earlier this week, Harpers reported that Clem Yates MW, former winemaker at Sainsbury’s, had left to become director of sourcing and supply at Off Piste Wines.

Dyer will focus on the multiples, and work closely on the Sainsbury’s account.

“I’d gone as far as I could within Sainsbury’s and didn’t want to move outside the wine category, that was one of the reasons for moving.

“The market’s become increasingly competitive – those supppliers, producers and agents that can offer customers knowledge, and an understanding of wines as well as delivering quick results are in demand.”

“I’m passionate about wine, and if you don’t have that in a wine business you’re on a hiding to nothing,” said Dyer.  “AV is one of the top three companies I’ve admired as a compelling and appropriate supplier. On the one hand that makes it easier for me but on the other it’s more of a challenge – the bar’s been set at a certain standard.”


Paul Schaafsma, AV's general manager in the UK and Europe, said: “It’s fantastic news that we’ll have someone of Julian’s experience and ability to come into the team. We’re growing quickly, and having the right people and work ethos means we can be flexible and adapt to customers’ requirements.

“Given the current economic time, customers aren’t looking for increased prices, they’re looking for people to provide the right products at the right price. Our light infrastructure gives us a winning recipe,” he said.

He added that the group is not planning to make any more senior appointments, but will be looking to appoint one or two more junior account managers and develop them.

AV employs 12 people directly at its UK office, and turns over £130 million.

AV’s UK winemaker Barry Dick joined from Sainsbury’s last year.