Hawesko: Exclusive distribution of Catena wines in Germany

Hawesko Holding AG (HAW GR, HAWG.DE, DE0006042708) announces that its subsidiary CWD Champagner- und Wein-Distributionsgesellschaft has received the rights to distribute the wines of Bodega Catena Zapata exclusively in Germany. The distribution partnership with this renowned Argentinean producer begins on 20 July 2009. Bodega Catena Zapata produces a series of top-class wines under the name of Catena, among others Nicolás Catena Zapata, Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino or Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Malbec. These wines regularly achieve scores of more than 90 points from The Wine Advocate, an influential trade publication. The Catena wines under the name of Alamos are also included in the new agreement. With this step the Hawesko Group has been successful in extending its product range with the wines of an additional top winemaker who is famous throughout the world.

Nicolás Catena, grandson of an immigrant from the Italian Marche region, has perfected the art of winemaking in the Andes over many years: Vineyards are cultivated at altitudes up to more than 1,400 meters and selected grapes are used from each local microclimate. Today his wines are counted among the best in the world and Decanter Magazine has named him Man of the Year in 2009.

Hawesko Holding AG is a leading supplier of premium wines and champagnes. In fiscal year 2008 the Group achieved sales of € 339 million through its three sales channels - specialist wine retail (Jacques' Wein-Depot), wholesale (Wein Wolf and CWD Champagner- und Wein- Distributionsgesellschaft) and mail order (in particular Hanseatisches Wein- und Sekt-Kontor). The Group employs 614 people. Hawesko Holding AG has been ranked as one of the top 6 German public companies with the best market orientation in a 2009 study by the international consultancy BBDO and the chair for innovative brand management of Bremen University, the 'Best Marketing Company Award'. The shares of Hawesko Holding AG are listed on the Hanseatic Stock Exchange in Hamburg as well as in the prime standard segment of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.