Juvé & Camps Brand Ambassador Ian Ford leaves lasting impression in Japan following recent visit and Press Conference
Juvé & Camps, the distinguished producer of premium cava from the Penedès region of Spain, celebrates the resounding success of Brand Ambassador Ian Ford's recent visit to Japan. In collaboration with import partner Meidi-ya, the visit showcased Juvé & Camps' global premiumization strategy, commitment to the unique Penedès Xarel·lo grape variety, and their global leadership within the Gran Reserva cava category.
The visit was anchored around a high-profile press conference in Tokyo, attended by top Japanese wine writers, which garnered significant attention. Among the esteemed journalists present were representatives from:
1. The Japan Food Journal
2. The Shokuryo Jokai Shimbun
3. Shuhan News
5. Daily Food News by Nikkan Keizai
6. Food Industry News
7. Taru Publishing
8. Journal of Japanese and Foreign Spirits Wines and Canned Foods
9. Teikoku Shokuryo News
10. Tokyo Calendar
11. The Wine Kingdom
12. Chubu Inshokuryo Shinbunsha
Kicking off proceedings, Mr Ford presented a summary of the market situation of cava both globally in and Japan, an explanation of the Cava D.O. and the creation in recent years of Paraje Calificado as an accreditation given to only the very finest quality cavas. He highlighted Juvé & Camps’ position as worldwide leader of the Gran Reserva category with 42% market share and their positioning leading with prestige.
This was followed by a deeper look at Penedès’ most iconic white grape variety, Xarel·lo, and its ability to create the backbone of Juvé & Camps finest, long-ageing cavas. Delving into the specifics of Juvé & Camps, Ford articulated the brand’s true global ambassadorship within the cava category, its long 200-year family history growing grapes and making wines in the Penedès region and its terroir-to-table philosophy using only organically grown grapes. Ford went on to highlight the brand’s new look which has been updated in an effort to align with the increased quality of liquid in the bottle which has gone from strength to strength in recent years.
A curated selection of Juvé & Camps cavas was then presented. Each wine showcased represents a testament to the brand's dedication to quality, innovation, and the distinctive terroir of Penedès.
Essential Purpura, positioned as the must-have choice for everyday enjoyment, is a delightful blend of fantastic value and quality. The sleek new design enhances the purity and freshness of these wines, making them ideal for daily indulgence. With an eye-catching and contemporary appearance, the packaging and liquid inside appeals to the preferences of youthful, modern, urban consumers.
Reserva de la Familia is widely recognized as the most iconic Gran Reserva Brut Nature globally and stands as the flagship of the range. It’s recent listing in Wine Spectator’s Top 100 Wines 2023 is a true reflection of its quality. Showcasing Penedès in its purest state, this cava offers a faithful representation of the region's three main grape varieties. With outstanding success in both retail and HORECA across key global markets, it remains the obvious choice for sommeliers and retailers aiming to provide consumers with superb quality at exceptional value.
Milesimé Xarel·lo is the purest and most elegant expression of Penedès. The Milesimé range comprises four single varietal wines from distinctive single plots. The beautiful, contemporary packaging matches the quality of the liquid inside the bottle. Well-suited for retail as a perfect gift or on-trade, these wines boast unique distinctions that set them apart.
Gran Juvé was first crafted in 1972 and is the ultimate expression of Juvé & Camps. Sourced from extraordinary bunches across the Espiells and Mediona estates, it instantly impresses with its sheer quality and complexity. Primarily found in fine dining restaurants globally, it serves as the perfect accompaniment for gastronomy.
La Capella, a single varietal sparkling wine, showcases the most iconic Penedès white wine grape, Xarel·lo, grown with organic certification. Only produced in exceptional vintages, it features extraordinary concentration and expressiveness with a character that is both mature and fresh. From the Espiells estate, La Capella embodies a seven-hectare exceptional vineyard with old Xarel·lo vines, producing grapes full of character, spirit, and freshness.
Ford highlighted each wine's unique characteristics, emphasizing the brand's commitment to providing a diverse range of exceptional cavas that cater to the varied preferences of Japanese consumers.
Beyond the conference, Ford immersed himself in Tokyo's culinary scene, visiting esteemed restaurants such as Seiyo-Ken, Plancha Zurriola, Masia Cuina Catalana, Bar de Espana Muy and Tinc Gana. An exclusive wine dinner event took place at Los Vinos, owned by Mr. Sakurai, former chef sommelier of San Pau and winner of the Spanish wine sommelier contest in 2007 in Japan. The evening was a showcase of Juvé & Camps cavas paired with exquisite dishes, leaving a lasting impression on all attendees.
The trip culminated with an evening wine tasting at Clos Wine Days, a premium wine shop, providing a unique opportunity for Ford to engage with passionate wine lovers. The event showcased a curated selection of Juvé & Camps wines, featuring both Penedès still and sparkling wines and their esteemed Ribera del Duero estate Pagos d'Anguix.
Juvé & Camps Cava anticipates sustained success in the Japanese market, building upon the momentum generated by Ford's impactful visit.
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