ANGLO HISPANO CO LTD

The Anglo Hispano Bodega Company commenced trading in Gibraltar in 1892. Its main activity in those days was dealing in the wines of La Palma del Condado area of Huelva where Anglo Hispano had its own bodegas. The company prospered in the local market and in supplying shipping. In 1946 it was incorporated as a private limited company and soon after, UK interests purchased a holding. This holding was subsequently acquired by the British brewers Bass PLC. In the mid-1950's the Isola family took on management responsibility, acquired a small holding and proceeded to strengthen the agency portfolio in the beverage sector. In the early '70's, due to the closure of the frontier, Bass decided to sell its holding. The Isola family took the opportunity to acquire control and at the same time negotiated to continue as Bass distributors for Gibraltar, an association which continues to this day.

In order to redress difficult trading conditions, the new board decided to diversify the activities of the Company taking on distribution of other product groups such as cigarettes, cigars, tobacco, and some confectionery lines.

The Company is based at its offices at Sandpits Vaults which is also the location of its main store. There is also a store at the New Harbours Industrial Park where all incoming goods are received. The Company operates six delivery trucks one of which is exclusively used for the delivery of cigarettes, cigars and tobacco. Deliveries are made within 24 hours of the order being placed and in most cases on the same day. Orders can be placed by telephone to our Order Lines. We operate an Orders Voicemail after hours. The Company is fully computerised and is licensed to operate an Open Bond by the Gibraltar Customs.

The Company employs five sales representatives including the Sales Manager who also looks after some key accounts. Each salesman is responsible for calling on specific customers and sells the full portfolio of products. Most customers are visited once a week with many visited twice a week. A few are visited fortnightly at their request. Full coverage of the market is achieved mainly through direct sales to retailers although some distribution of certain products is made via wholesalers. The Company also supplies shipchandlers and the Airport Duty Free Shop, in which it has a 33% holding.

The Company is also extensively involved in retail with its own shop in a prime position at the entrance of Main Street, a controlling interest in another important shop also in Main Street, and a licence under which it operates one of Gibraltar's leading CTNs. The Company also owns and operates many pubs and restaurants around Gibraltar including Alls Well and Café Solo at Casemates Square, now Gibraltar's most popular venue. The Company has recently embarked on a programme of Pub refurbishments of which The Trafalgar Sports bar was the first to undergo such treatment.

The Anglo Hispano Wine Club was launched in the year 2000. The thriving Wine Club gives its members an opportunity to learn more about wine by taking part in informal and informative tastings held frequently in The Anglo Hispano Tasting Room, at Sandpits Vaults. Members are also entitled to discounts and newsletters are sent out quarterly highlighting forthcoming events and special offers.

The Company has also diversified into other areas of retail and holds the franchises for both Pizza Hut and Burger King.

The culture of the business is of total commitment to customer service and continuous improvement which emanates from the top and permeates the whole organisation. The very visible presence of the Managing Director and other Directors and Managers ensures constant attention to these objectives and all staff are aware of management's intentions. Close proximity of administrative and operations staff helps communication as does the fact that sales representatives spend some time each day in the office.

Management works closely with principals to develop sales and marketing strategies for their brands. In most cases the Company contributes financially towards A&P budgets to carry out marketing and promotional activity for the long term development and growth of brands. The Company believes in brand building from a solid foundation to achieve long term sustainable growth.

In July 2001 the Company was successful in achieving certification to ISO 9001-2000, the first company in Gibraltar to achieve certification to the new standard and the first company in its field in Gibraltar ever to achieve ISO certification.