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Ignacio MARCOS
B&G Export Manager
UK, Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, France, Middle East, India

Upon your arrival in 2010, what was your first impression of the B&G brand image?

Of course B&G is a BIG name in Bordeaux with an amazing and passionate history. I really appreciated the brand building strategy, the quality of the wines and the premium positioning at each category of wine. I was really surprised how large the range was. It's great to offer a full range of wines coming from the main French wine-growing regions.

How is that brand-image of B&G today?

I have been used to work in the past for other wine companies where the brand building strategy is very important. I have been really impressed that it is so well developed at Barton & Guestier.
All the team is totally involved in it.
Many wine-merchants in France (especially in Bordeaux) offer loads of "petits chateaux" and secondary brands. What I like at B&G is that we offer wines under a unique signature "B&G".
B&G is always innovating to propose to the customers high quality wines at a good value in all categories of wine.

Where do you see the most possibilities of development?

In my territory, I would say our domestic market France, even if it is a mature market.B&G has been very focus on the Export markets in the last years but we are actually attacking the domestic market again with a motivated team.We have still a lot of room for sales growth!
There is also a growth potential in England next year and in India in the future (but the local taxes are still very high...).

What has been your biggest satisfaction so far?

The quality of our distributors and the fidelity of our partners.For example, the founder (Patrick Pelgrims) of one of our historical Belgian distributors (Pelgrims) left his company this year because of his retirement. It was very emotional to see some tears from him remembering all the good moments and souvenirs selling B&G! I thank him for his loyalty and for the good work done in his territory. There is more than wine and business in the wine business!

What is your best travel souvenir? And the worst?

I always like travelling and meeting new people and cultures. I have had the opportunity to visit many different countries and it is great when you have time to know the local habits. This is the good part of our job!
Sometimes at B&G, it is not necessary to travel to have a good souvenir for example we received a group of 6 Estonian beauties at Chateau Magnol (as you could read in the last Assemblage 44). They came for the Third edition of the Estonian reality show "La Maison du Vin". I was with them one night for the "Glamour dinner". Very "glamour" and very funny!
Fortunately there is not a serious bad souvenir. When you travel, there is sometimes a problem of luggage, jet lag or bad digestion. I remember a trip to New York where I experienced all these things together. But this is part of our job as well!

A favourite market?

I spend more time in Europe that's why I always love going out of Europe, especially in the Middle East and India. It refreshes my mind!
There are a lot of things happening there!

What is your favourite B&G wine?

Chateau Magnol 2010 is fantastic. I like drinking this wine now.
I have also a good souvenir of tasting Magnums of the Côtes de Provence Rosé with family and friends.
What a refreshing and enjoyable wine! Great for having a good time!

Ignacio joined Barton & Guestier in March 2010 after a solid experience as export manager at Yvon Mau and Freixenet Group. He holds a degree in Business Management with a Master degree in Wine & Spirits. Passionate about wine, Ignacio is Spanish, fluent in French and English, married with 2 children, and loves sports, travelling, cooking and the simple pleasures of life with family and friends.