by Hervé Lalau
In the course of its going public, the first official data on the French online wine retailer 1855.com came to light. According to figures released at the time, 1855.com was set to turn over 20 million Euro worth of high class wine in 2006, an increase of
almost 50% over 2005. With that, the company is the largest internet provider of wine in France.
Shortly before Christmas the almost 15 million Euros worth of shares put on the market at Alternext in Paris were purchased by various investment trusts, putting the company s total value at 38 million Euros. The founders Emeric Sauty de Chalon and Thierry Maincent maintain their majority.
With these funds the company plans to improve its logistic and personnel services in order to stem the tide of complaints resulting from late deliveries and poor communication. According to its founders, the company currently has 35,000 clients, of which 10,000 signed on in 2006. For this, the company has invested large sums, but been rewarded with an average price of 28 Euros per bottle and purchase of almost 1,000 Euros.
Analysts estimate the online market for wine in France at 100 million Euros and worldwide at nearly two billion. The founders see enormous potential in the upscale part of the market. Emeric Sauty de Chalon claims that although the finest wines have become international brands, there is currently no international distribution structure for these wines to private consumers.
