Cep d'Or's Global Reach: From Luxembourg to Europe and Japan

Cep d'Or, one of Luxembourg's most prestigious wine estates, is making great strides on the world wine market. It exports its exquisite Crémants and Auxerrois wines to various European countries and to Japan. The European Union remains its main market, with the Netherlands and Belgium as strong partners.

However, new markets are emerging on the horizon. These include the Scandinavian countries and former Eastern Bloc countries such as Poland and the Czech Republic. These latter regions have experienced significant growth in recent decades. As incomes rise, consumers are now in a position to have access to high quality export wines. The success of Cep d'Or in Prague, where its wines are sold in several high-end "épiceries fines", is a prime example.

International wine fairs and the Internet have been instrumental in extending Cep d'Or's reach. Both their Prague and Japanese market contacts discovered them online, looking for exclusive niche products from smaller countries. This fortuitous connection has led to the presence of Cep d'Or in Japanese 'épiceries fines'.

Logistically, Cep d'Or benefits from its large Crémant production, which allows it to easily produce the extra quantities needed to meet its exporting needs. In addition to Crémant - a flagship product with strong links to Luxembourg's heritage - they also export their Auxerrois wine, a grape variety found almost exclusively in Luxembourg. This strategic focus on unique Luxembourg wines is helping them to carve out a niche for themselves in the highly competitive international market.

Exporting makes economic sense, given Luxembourg's small and saturated market. With numerous local winegrowers and significant wine imports, it is logical to introduce Luxembourgish wines to the global stage. This will not only enhance the reputation of the Cep d'Or, but also the image of Luxembourg wines as a whole.

Feedback from Japanese customers has been overwhelmingly positive. In contrast to Luxembourg, where wine is a part of everyday life, Japanese consumers are less frequent drinkers, but are prepared to spend up to €30-40 when they do. They particularly appreciate Cep d'Or's high-quality signature wines. Both the Auxerrois and the Crémant, with their slightly sweeter profiles, go well with the salty and spicy nuances of Japanese cuisine, making them a hit in this demanding market.