Founded in 1895 as a shipping and trading company, first in Hong Kong and later Shanghai, by seafaring men Jacob Jebsen and Heinrich Jessen, Jebsen & Co's historic ties to the Middle Kingdom have positioned its brand as the premium marketing, distribution and logistical service representing consumer goods, beverage, industry products and luxury items including motor vehicles.
'Last year, Jebsen went through an internal restructuring to position our businesses to represent themselves better,' says group managing director, Helmuth Hennig.
'Our consumer business has set up their own legal entity, as well as our beverage business. In 2012, we have plans for more infrastructure investment into people and structure, a step we are putting in place to further increase our competencies in the industries. As business expands, we are ensuring the future of our group.'
More than 10 years ago, Jebsen mostly worked within the mainland in providing industrial machinery. This changed with China entering the WTO. Jebsen leveraged its network to start bringing in consumer oriented products including camera brands, Porsche sports cars and beverages, such as the exclusive Bollinger Champagne, the choice drink of Ian Fleming's James Bond, 007.
'Jebsen has partnered with the luxury sports carmaker, Porsche, for more than 57 years,' says Hennig, who is proud to represent a brand where, in Hong Kong, it is said to have the highest number of Porsche vehicles per kilometre of road.
'In 2001, we started bringing the famous sports car to China and it took us some time to build up the brand. We understand what has been working well in the Hong Kong market and are doing much more of the same in China, like test drives and events for making Porsche a lifestyle brand.