Beringer Blass to partner ACB

Leading Australian premium wine producer, Beringer Blass Wine Estates has signed an agreement to become the official wine supplier to the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) through its brand, Eaglehawk wines.

The agreement, which covers three seasons from 2001-02 to 2003-2004 inclusive, will see Beringer Blass supply wine to the Australian cricket team and all official ACB functions.

Beringer Blass is the wine arm of the Foster's Group, the parent company of Carlton and United Breweries, which has sponsored one-day international cricket in Australia since 1996-1997. Foster's Lager is also the official beer of the Australian cricket team when on tour internationally.

Commenting on the agreement, Beringer Blass Managing Director Mr Terry Davis said;

"Our partnership with the ACB is a key plank of our long-term strategic investment in the Eaglehawk brand, with good benefits for customer hospitality and consumer promotions. Cricket's broad and growing appeal in Australia and key export markets is a good fit for Eaglehawk wines as we seek to take this proud brand to a new level."

ACB Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland said;

"We are very pleased to be entering into this long term arrangement with Beringer Blass, who have joined the ACB's impressive portfolio of major sponsors. Corporate hospitality is a very important component of the work we undertake throughout the season, and I believe this agreement will enable the ACB to continue the strong work carried out in this area.

"I would like to welcome Beringer Blass to Australian cricket," Mr Sutherland said.

The new agreement replaces the ACB's previous ten-year association with Tyrell's Wines.

"Tyrell's Wines have been strong supporters of Australian cricket and I am pleased that we are able to finish the business side of this relationship on good terms.

"I thank Bruce Tyrell for his involvement with the game," Mr Sutherland said.

Since arriving in Australia in 1961, Wolf Blass has always used the image of the Eaglehawk as a source of pride and inspiration. In 1966 when he started building his own winery he named it Bilyara, the Aboriginal word for Eaglehawk, and to this day all of the Wolf Blass and Eaglehawk wines are made at this site. The Eaglehawk brand originated in 1987 and has been successful in its preferred bottled wine category.