Berkmann opens its wine cellars to help hospitality venues through Covid-19 crisis

Berkmann Wine Cellars is opening its cellar to the wider public for the first time in its 56-year history in a show of support for the hospitality industry during the coronavirus lockdown.

As part of its Help 4 Hospitality campaign, Berkmann has launched an online platform to give wine lovers access to an exclusive range of products, with sales providing financial support for hospitality venues and raising money for two industry charities helping workers through the Covid-19 crisis.

The initiative is open to any hospitality outlet, not just existing Berkmann customers. Any outlet that joins will be given a voucher code to share with their mailing list; when used, it will give users a 5 per cent discount on their order and see Berkmann donate 12.5 per cent of the order's value to the outlet in question. The donation can then be used to help the venue or can be split between The Drinks Trust (formerly The Benevolent) and Hospitality Action.

Berkmann plans to continue the scheme until lockdown restrictions on the hospitality sector are lifted.

Rupert Berkmann, CEO of Berkmann Wine Cellars, said: "The hospitality industry, Berkmann's invaluable partner for the last 56 years, is suffering immeasurably during this shutdown. At the same time, we are hearing numerous reports of consumers struggling to obtain the wines they want because of the pressure on retailers. We have great wine and we have the infrastructure to deliver it, while being able to generate some much-needed support for our partners in the trade."

Alex Hunt, Berkmann's purchasing director, added: "This campaign is extremely close to our hearts and we have crafted a really exciting, eclectic range of wines to drive it."

Find the Help 4 Hospitality online shop at berkmann.co.uk/H4Hshop.

3 April 2020 - Bethany Whymark