The UK’s oldest wine merchant is planning to set up a base in Andover, if plans are approved by Test Valley Borough Council (TVBC).

Berry Bros. & Rudd is planning to establish a distribution warehouse and offices at Andover Business Park, from which the company will distribute its products throughout the UK.

If approved, the site will have over 10,000 square metres of space for the storage of wine, and will complement the firm’s warehouse in Basingstoke.

Plans for the site were submitted at the end of 2020, outlining the proposals for the warehouse, offices, and access to the new facility, to supplement outline planning permission for the area which was given in 2017.

The warehouse will be built on Plot Five of Andover Business Park, adjacent to the previously constructed UK headquarters of Rich Products and the site of a future warehouse for Wren Kitchens, which was given approval in June this year.

The site will include offices and a meeting room for staff, as well as 10,684 square metres of storage, in addition to 27 car parking spaces.

Trees and bushes will be planted around the site, while solar panels will be placed on the roof of the building to meet almost 15 per cent of its energy needs.

Berry Bros. & Rudd was founded in 1698 by a woman known only as the Widow Bourne. Starting off by selling groceries, particularly coffee, the business subsequently expanded into a wide range of products.

Gradually, it began to specialise in providing wine and spirits, and became the official supplier of wine to the Royal Family, beginning in the reign of King George III. This still continues to this day.

In 1967, the company established a Basingstoke warehouse, with a shop opening on the site in 2014. At present, there are no plans to replicate this arrangement in Andover.

However, residents have been getting involved with the company for some years, with former Upper Clatford resident Martin Hudson becoming a Master of Wine for the company in 2008.

Berry Bros. and Rudd were contacted for comment.