C&C merges Matthew Clark and Bibendum

C&C Group is uniting its Matthew Clark and Bibendum divisions to form a single on-trade entity.

Matthew Clark Bibendum (MCB) brings together Matthew Clark’s drinks wholesaler scale with Bibendum’s wine expertise, which C&C believes will enhance the offer for UK hospitality sector customers.

The combined proposition will offer a single master wine list to its customers, alongside a united team to remove duplication and simplify engagement. Wine specialists and teams will be available in all territories.

However, C&C told The Caterer that a small number of staff in the Matthew Clark and Bibendum sales teams have been impacted by the changes and following a consultation period have left the business.

MCB’s streamlining is designed to help hospitality businesses drive profitable growth, navigate changing consumer trends and unlock new opportunities.

Rob Sandall, C&C Group’s England and Wales sales director, said: “Bringing Matthew Clark and Bibendum together is a confident step forward for our customer proposition by simplifying how we operate, removing unnecessary duplication and unlocking the full potential of our range, expertise and scale.

“At a time when hospitality is under real pressure, our focus is on delivering value, quality and service, and on building a strong, sustainable business for the long term. MCB will be a true partner for customers, and our team of passionate, experienced specialists will be on hand to help them grow and navigate ever-changing consumer needs with a range ready to meet every occasion.”

Gillian Murray, C&C Group director of commercial procurement, added: “Through MCB, our partners will benefit from access to the widest customer opportunity in the UK as part of a range designed for the challenges of the hospitality landscape. 

“The creation of MCB strengthens our position and our focus lies in growing the business while delivering the best possible service to our customers. The enhanced new range coupled with our experienced team brings an exciting offering to our suppliers and customers and we are looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Matthew Clark and Bibendum customers will continue to be served through the separate route to market propositions until the summer, when the MCB proposition will be fully implemented.

Both companies have been owned by C&C Group since the collapse of previous owner Conviviality in 2018.

This year the group also acquired Scottish brewer and retailer Innis & Gunn from administration for £4.5m.

C&C Group issued a profit warning in January, now expecting it to be in the range of €70m-€73m (£60.9m-£63.5m), reflecting lower operating profits in its distribution business.

In its last financial year to 28 February 2025, the group posted a net operating profit of €45.8m (£38.4m), compared to an €84.4m (£70.8m) loss the previous year. Growth was driven by Matthew Clark and Bibendum, which collectively saw revenue jump 3.5% to €1.36b (£1.14b) with an 8% increase in customer numbers.

C&C Group produces drinks brands including Tennent’s beer and Bulmers cider.