Wine and spirits merchant expands operations with opening of new Kingswinford distribution centre and 12 new jobs created

It’s the on-trade drinks specialist’s fifth distribution centre which will help to serve the hospitality scene in the area.

Venus Wines and Spirits Merchants was acquired in June 2024 by the Booker Group - the UK’s leading food and drink wholesaler - and the new opening on The Pensnett Estate on Monday July 14 is part of its strategy to bolster its beverage portfolio.

The new 13,500 square foot depot will enable Venus to source, stock and deliver premium wines, spirits, beers and beverages to hospitality customers across the region. 

The expansion has seen Venus take on nine new colleagues and three new account managers to cover the West Midlands region.

The Kingswinford depot is located within the existing Booker site on The Pensett Estate and is the latest addition to Venus’ distribution network and commercial footprint, following the opening of a Greater Manchester depot in Eccles earlier this year.

Neil Jewsbury, managing director at Venus Wine and Spirits Merchants, said: “It’s a real pleasure to see this opening come to fruition as the new depot allows us to scale up our offering and expand our footprint across the West Midlands region. It’s a strong addition to our network and we know there’s huge potential in the region thanks to its lively hospitality scene.

“We carefully source and select all products in our portfolio to ensure they meet the taste, quality and price expectations of our customers, and bring excitement to consumer drinking occasions.

“As a business, we are cementing our position in the drinks marketplace as a leading supplier of expertly selected, premium beverages.”

Andrew Yaxley, CEO at Booker Group - a subsidiary of Tesco, added: “Since we acquired Venus in June 2024, we’ve set out ambitious growth targets and one year on, we’re already showing signs of success within the drinks space. 

"Our new Kingswinford team is working hard to support on-trade customers on the ground to ensure they have access to a breadth of drinks to suit their demographics and customers' preferences, ultimately to ensure business success for their venue or outlet.

“With Venus, Booker is able to offer an unmatched food and alcohol proposition, with over 3,000 wines, beers and spirits in our portfolio. Our goal is to be a one stop shop solution for customers in the West Midlands and nationally, underpinned by our delivered and in-depot services, price lockdowns and strong customer relationships.” 

Founded in 1975, Venus Wine and Spirits Merchants was founded in 1975 and has 160 employees with depots in Tottenham, Leeds, Bristol, Manchester and now the West Midlands.

Representatives from Venus will be at the Booker Catering Trade Show at the NEC Birmingham on September 24.