As preparations get underway for South Africa to host the Cricket World Cup in February 2003, Bellingham is proud to have been appointed as the Wine Supplier to the United Cricket Board (UCB) for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2003.

Dr. Ali Bacher, Executive Director of the 2003 Cricket World Cup, commended Bellingham as one of the first Companies to have met the criteria set out by the World Cup Committee. This submission and selection process focused strongly on social upliftment and the development of cricket 12in previously disadvantaged communities. Cricket development will benefit from the sale of the Bellingham Souvenir Wines and Bellingham will fund a two-year bursary scheme for a young black cricket journalist.

Social empowerment and involvement is a key issue for Dr. Bacher and his team, who see the World Cup as an "event for all South Africans". The vision for the 2003 Tournament extends beyond traditional cricket authorities, to include local and national government working together with commercial sponsors, schools and cricket fans to make the game more accessible and appealing to the entire population.

South African Wines in the international market are now a huge success story where last year 7 million cases of South African wine was sold (in the UK alone) and this year sales have grown by 28%. DGB, the owners of Bellingham, exported 1.2 million cases of wine last year and Bellingham is the flagship of their range.

This brand has been listed in major UK retailers such as Sainsbury's for over 20 years and Bellingham sees its involvement as an opportunity to extend its growing international volumes and to further promote South African wine in the world's cricket playing countries.

Tim Hutchinson, the CEO of DGB said "We have worked closely with the World Cup Committee - and will continue to do so - to maximize the role Bellingham plays in promoting South Africa, the tournament and the brand both locally and internationally".

"As a company we have always worked closely with sporting codes in South Africa, we were the official wine for the Rugby World Cup in 1995 and for the previous two Olympics the Official Supplier to NOCSA. So it is fantastic news that we have linked with the Cricket World Cup for what we believe will be an outstanding event that will grow cricket in South Africa and showcase our country to the world."

© Bellingham