Family-owned fine wine merchant Samuel Smith & Son is celebrating 100 years this month.
Founded in Adelaide in 1923, Percy and Walter Grandy Smith established the company to distribute wine, spirits and ales throughout the state and beyond.
It was dated 24/10/1923, published in the Adelaide Newspaper: “Samuel Smith & Son Company incorporated to original shareholders – Walter Grandy Smith, Ida Smith, Alice Hill Smith, Sidney Hill Smith, Donald Hill Smith.”
Fifth generation and chair Robert Hill-Smith says, “You have always needed good luck and a friendly banker in this business.
“We were orchardists, wine growers, winemakers and wine merchants.
“During the Great Depression, dried and canned fruit provided the cashflow that enabled us to come out the other side to focus on winemaking.
“We are now wine-focused as merchants, but the likes of Dewars, Bacardi, Kahlua, White Horse and Gibleys gave us entry into the broad trade, which taught us the importance of depth and diversity in distribution to make yourselves relevant and valued partners.”
Samuel Smith & Son continues to be a cornerstone of the Australian beverage market, with a premium portfolio of family-owned national and international fine wines and beverages.
Executive director Sales – ANZ Paul Midolo attributes Samuel Smith & Son’s success to its long-term values: knowledge, service and friendship.
“Our business has seen many highs and lows over this time, and we are pleased to say we are as strong as ever, built on relationships with our loyal customers and a folio depth and breadth unmatched in the industry,” says Midolo.
“We pride ourselves on human connections, with a dedicated team of fine wine experts, who share our passion for wine and people.
“Our team is equipped to provide tailored and relevant solutions for each of our customers to drive value and enhance the purchase or dining experience.”
Watch the celebratory 100-year video here.
Hill-Smith Family Estates incorporates Samuel Smith & Son, Negociants Australia, Negociants New Zealand, Negociants International, Free Run Juice and Yalumba Nursery.
The wine brands and vineyard estates including Yalumba, Jansz Tasmania, Dalrymple Vineyards, Pewsey Vale Vineyard, Heggies Vineyard, Nautilus Estate of Marlborough, Oxford Landing, Running with Bulls, Winesmiths, Opawa, Smith & Hooper, Ringbolt, mesh, La Maschera, Rogers & Rufus, earthworks, Twin Islands, Hill-Smith Estate and Parish Vineyard.
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