Whitehall Agencies Inc.is a national, independent wine and spirit agency with its head office in Montreal as well as regional offices in all major cities across Canada.  Whitehall was created in mid-1998 by Michel F. Marentette following the merger of United Distillers (Guiness) and Grand Metropolitan (Gilbey in Canada), today known as Diageo. 

The creation of Diageo in 1998 resulted in the corporate decision to relinquish the entire portfolio of Agency Brands in order to focus the new company (Diageo) on its comprehensive portfolio of Spirits.  Michel Marentette was of the opinion that there was an opportunity for a national agency with the knowledge and expertise to manage large international brands.

With a growing consolidation in the industry, reflected in many small and large agencies carrying very large portfolios, often with competing brands, the new agency would strive to retain a small but highly focused portfolio.

Some of the suppliers which are currently in Whitehall’s portfolio include the houses of Taylor Fladgate (Port), Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), Fontanafredda, Torley  (Hungary), John Boutari & Sons (Greece), Tenuta San Guido (Sassicaia), Argiano, Vins & Domaines Montesquieu, CAVIT, Iceberg Vodka, Skalli Family Wines (France), Vina Montes (Chile).

The company maintains a sophisticated computer system for finance, as well as internal and external communications. All financial and sales reporting both overseas and across the company is via the Internet.

Summary

We at Whitehall are perfectly aware that the key to successful growth in this industry is to develop realistic objectives with each supplier, closely monitor performance, and most importantly, inform, encourage and motivate the sales force.

We also believe in aggressively taking the initiative in launching new products when the timing is right. This allows us to maximize our chance of success for our suppliers in a changing market as well as strengthening their position in the market.

The company has been profitable since its first year of operation and is consistently focused on maintaining a strong financial position.

PORTFOLIO

Wines

Argentina:

Caro (Catena & Lafite/Rothschild Joint-Venture)

Valle de la Puerta

Kaikan (Vina Montes)

Australia

Dal Broi Group

Chile

Vina Los Vascos (DBR Lafite)

Vina Montes S.A

Vina Garces Silva (Amayna)

Vina Manquehue (Fresita)

Greece

John Boutari & Son

Italy

Sassicaia (Tuscany)

Argiano (Tuscany)

Rocca Delle Macie (Tuscany)  (Quebec & Maritimes representation.)

Tenute Ambrogio & Giovanni Folonari (Tuscany)

CA’VIT (Trentino Alto Adige)

Fontanafredda (Piemonte)    (excluding Ontario)    

France

Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) (Bordeaux)

Les Vins et Domaines Montesquieu (Bordeaux)

Les Producteurs Plaimont (Gascogne

Skalli Family Wines (Languedoc/Rhone)

Hungary

Torley

G.I.A. (The Wines of Tibor Gal)

Lebanon

Chateau Musar*

Portugal

Taylor Fladgate / Delaforce / Croft (Ports)

Quinta do Carmo (DBR Lafite) 

South Africa

Wincorp PTY Inc.

United States

St. Supéry (Napa)

Uruguay

Pisano Family Vineyards

                                    *Selected markets only

Spirits

Italy

Jacopo Poli (Grappa di Sassicaia)

Ireland

First Ireland Spirits (O’Casey’s Irish Cream)

Canada

Canadian Iceberg Vodka Corporation (Iceberg                                                                        *Except in Newfoundland

                                                Semprevino

Chile

Vina Garces Silva (Amayna) (Leida)

Vina San Diego de Puquillay (Encierra) (Colchagua)

Italy

Poggio Bonelli (Tuscany)

Chigi Saracini (Tuscany)

Petrolo (Tuscany)     

Titignano (Umbria)

Shantell Honoroski
Marketing Coordinator
Whitehall Agencies Inc, Calgary
 
Tel: (403) 244-2569
Fax: (403) 685-8114
Email: alta.office@whitehall.ca