Alcohol logistics experts Johnston Logistics UK have signed a contract to deliver logistics for environmentally friendly, craft wine specialists When in Rome.

When in Rome specialise in craft wines made by independent producers which are sold in eco-friendly packaging. Since their launch in 2015, they have grown in size and reputation, even launching a wine specially selected by TV star Phillip Schofield earlier this year.

Iain Hill, Head of Commercial & Customer Services for Johnston Logistics said “When in Rome is a very exciting company to add to the wine importers and brands we support with logistics. They are doing something genuinely different and we’re delighted to be helping more wine-lovers across the UK enjoy the results.”

The Gloucestershire-based wine experts select wines from small, independent producers and package them in a ‘bag-in-a-box’ or other alternative packaging, made from recycled materials. Their mission is to help customers enjoy wine “in a more social, healthy and environmentally sustainable way.”

Having managed their own logistics in house, their growth has led to the need for an external logistics partner to help receive their products and distribute them to retailers.

“Johnston Logistics UK stood out because of their reputation and experience working with many leading wine and drink brands. We care very much about the attention that goes into the wines we source, so it’s only fitting we have a logistics partner who cares as much about how they are handled” says Antony Wolowiec, Commercial Director of When in Rome.

When in Rome highlight Scandinavian research which has shown bag-in-a-box wine packaging creates ten-times less carbon emissions than single use glass bottles, even before international transportation is factored in.

Adding his name to the list of wine drinkers that are turning to bag-in-box is Phillip Schofield, well-known wine aficionado and regular presenter of ITV’s This Morning. In collaboration with When in Rome, the TV star has selected a white Falanghina and red Nero di Troia wine to bring to the UK market. 

On their launch in March, Phillip Schofield said: “I wanted figures on how eco-friendly box wine was and I wanted it to be good value. The result is something I felt I could really invest in. I don’t think there is anything I have been so passionate about, so I hope everyone enjoys them as much as I do.”

When in Rome’s range currently features ten wines which will be handled by Johnston Logistics UK who receive, store and distribute over 20,000 pallets of alcoholic drinks every year for names including Broadland Drinks, The Wine Society and Bouyant. In addition, 50% of all Asda supermarket’s wine moves through their site in partnership with IPL.

Johnston Logistics UK’s Ian Hill concludes, “Lockdown saw an unprecedented demand for wines and other drinks, which we moved quickly to help our clients satisfy. The demand remains high and with When in Rome available in retailers including Waitrose and on-line at Amazon, we’re keen to support them with dependable logistics they need to take full advantage of the opportunity.” For more details of When in Rome, visit www.wheninromewine.com. For more information about Johnston Logistics UK services, visit www.johnstonlogistics.co.uk