Wine group focuses on long-term growth
Castel targets Hong Kong and the mainland with its wide range of styles, regions and price points while being careful not to disrupt the ecosystem, writes Robin Lynam
Pierre Castel, founding president of one of France's leading regionally diversified groups of wine estates, says Castel has always chosen a path that links the traditional with the modern.
"Every day, we strive to ensure that by setting the best possible standards, we are improving our relevance and long-term sustainability," he says.
The family-owned Castel group was established in 1949 and, over the decades, has built up a portfolio of châteaux and domaines. It now also produces beer and soft drinks.
Wine, however, remains the core of its portfolio, and the wines of Bordeaux in particular. Already well-established in many international markets and in travel retail, Castel is now focusing on China and has participated in a number of major wine events this year, in Hong Kong and on the mainland.
These have included Vinexpo, at which the group presented red, white and rosé wines - among them Château d'Arcins and Château Barreyres (Cru Bourgeois) from Haut-Médoc, Château Ferrande from Graves, and Saint Emilion Grand Cru Château Montlabert.
Castel also participated in November's Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival and in the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, at which it presented its Roche Mazet and Famille Castel brands alongside a range of châteaux and domaines.
On the mainland, Castel wines were one of the star attractions at the China Dalian International Wine and Dine Festival.