THE WINE MERCHANT. An independent magazine for independent retailers
Issue 146, May 2025
Dog of the month: Teddy Hoc Loco, Leeds
Independents ‘have nothing to fear from Enotria deal’ The supplier’s purchase by Majestic has spooked some indies, but insiders insist E&C will remain autonomous
E
notria&Coe’s acquisition by Majestic has worried some of the supplier’s independent customers, who fear
that wines they currently support could be
channelled into the retailer’s 213 branches. Majestic is not giving interviews to
expand on its plans for E&C. But The Wine Merchant has been led to understand that
“independent merchants will not be any
small number of additional Enotria&Coe
will operate as a standalone entity.
prices wouldn’t make sense.”
less of a focus for the business than they
were prior to the acquisition”. Enotria&Coe “Some suppliers may see the chance to
sell their wines in Majestic as a growth opportunity they want to explore, but
many will not,” an insider said. “Even if a
wines were to be stocked in Majestic stores in the future, selling them at knockdown The insider described Majestic’s
proposition as “quite different” to most indies, adding that both sides “co-exist well” and share some customers.
Almost 40 independent merchants from across the UK converged on north London in April for the 2025 Wine Merchant Top 100 judging. The results will be unveiled during the London Wine Fair, where the winners will be on taste. Picture special: pages 10-11.