|
| |
APG: |
Then,
In 1890, their son Edmond took over and started
to explore international markets. He even became
one of the suppliers of the Court of Tsar Nicolas
IInd. Since then, the two-headed eagle, emblem of
the Russian Imperial family, has been used on our
labels. |
| |
SF: |
The brand remained family controlled until Canard-Duchêne
joined Veuve Clicquot and the LVMH group in 1978. |
| |
APG: |
Then, in October 2003, Champagne Canard-Duchêne
was bought by Mr. Alain Thiénot, owner of
one of the most dynamic family owned Champagne group,
with one vision: to make Canard-Duchêne the
flagship of the group. |
|
IBN:
The
Groupe Alain Thienot acquired the Champagne Canard
Duchêne in 2003 from the group LVMH. Tell
us more about it. |
| |
SF: |
In the
80’s, Mr. Alain Thiénot founded his
Group dedicated to wines (www.thienot.com)
and in 1986 launched his own Champagne brand: ChampagneThiénot.
|
| |
APG: |
The
group now represents 6 million Champagne bottles
annual production. Canard-Duchêne has produced
3 million bottles in 2004. |
|
IBN:
What
improvement / investment have been made as a result
of this acquisition? |
| |
SF: |
A team was rebuilt, 45 people in total. |
| |
APG: |
Offices were renovated to welcome the Canard-Duchêne
team to its historical production center and head
quarter in Ludes – between Reims & Epernay. |
| |
SF: |
Alain Thiénot brougth his own vineyards
to the estate as well as long term partnerships
developed with Champagne wine growers. This represents
400 hectares, spread on 60 villages in the Champagne
region.
|
| |
APG: |
Alain Thiénot has invested in a new cuvery
(stainless steel tanks) which doubles the storage
capacity for still wines. |
| |
SF: |
A new and ultra-modern production center has been
rebuilt as well in November 2004 bringing a lot
more efficiency. |
|
IBN:
Please
present us your portfolio? |
|
| |
APG: |
We
have a classic line (Brut, demi-sec, rosé,
several vintages) and a Grande Cuvée line
made of three Champagnes (Brut, Rosé, Blanc
de Noirs). The Grande Cuvée – Charles
VII – was launched by Victor Canard in 1968
to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Canard-Duchêne. |
|
IBN:
How
many bottles do you have in stock altogether? |
 |
|
APG: |
More
than ten million bottles are ageing in the
chalk cellars of Canard-Duchêne in Ludes,
which were dug by hand in the 19th century. |
| |
SF: |
They
extend over 6 kilometres and 4 levels, between
12 and 38 metres deep.
|
|
|
IBN:
Champagne
Canard Duchêne is the 5th most well known
Champagne in France. What is your added value when
put up against the competition? |
| |
APG: |
Canard-Duchêne is the only Grande Maison to
be based in the heart of the Montagne de Reims -
the most prestigious production area for Pinot Noir
in Champagne. We offer an exceptional quality at
a great price. |
| |
SF: |
For all our Champagnes, we offer Wines of Pleasure
– sophisticated & elegant and “sans
formalités”!!! |
| |
SF: |
The Pinot Noir dominance is our home signaturer
representing 40% of our grape supply. Have a glass
of Grande Cuvée Brut, discover our Blanc
de Noirs and enjoy our specialities!! |
|
IBN:
Where
you are currently seeking distributors? |
| |
APG: |
We are looking for importers in many countries
around the world:
In
Europe – Austria – Denmark –
Spain – Portugal – Scandinavia and
Eastern countries.
|
| |
SF: |
In Asia – all countries except Japan. Also
in Oceania – Australia & New-Zealand. |
| |
APG: |
We are looking for a solid partner in the United
States. |
| |
SF: |
In Central & Latin America. |
| |
APG: |
In Africa & Middle East.
|
|
IBN:
What
are the new products coming to market in 2005? |
|
|
SF: |
We
have launched a 3 Vintage Collection gift
box and a new Cuvée dedicated to the
on-trade called Cuvée Léonie
will be launched this year. |
|
| APG: |
We
also have new gift packagings. |
|
|
IBN:
What else should we know about Canard Duchêne? |
| |
SF: |
Canard-Duchêne has gained a solid position
on its Domestic market thanks to Jean-Louis Malard,
the new Managing Director since October 2003. |
| |
APG:
|
Canard-Duchêne
has also a strong press recognition within the trade
through significant awards. For instance, we received
a silver Medal for our NV Brut in 2003 and 2004
from the International Wine Challenge. |
| |
SF: |
Our Canard-Duchêne 1993 Vintage was also awarded
in 2003 with a silver medal at the IWC. |
| |
APG: |
The Hachette Wine Guide in 2005 also granted us
one star for our Vintage 1993 and our Grande Cuvée
Blanc de Noirs. |
| |
SF
& APG: |
We now look forward to talking about possible
partnerships for Canard-Duchêne with your
readers very soon
|
Canard
Duchêne
1 rue Edmond Canard
Ludes, 51500
France
www.canard-duchene.fr
Tel: 33 3 26 61 09 94
Fax: 33 3 26 61 13 90
For
Distribution Opportunities, Please Contact:
International
Sales Director: Alexis Petit-Gats
Europe
- United-States - Africa
apg@canard-duchene.fr
International
Sales Director: Stéphanie Federhpil
Asia
/ Pacific - Canada - Central & South America
- Eastern Countries
sfederhpil@canard-duchene.fr
|
