Catalan cooperatives join forces to bring wines, vermouths, and liqueurs to Northern Europe

The three Catalan cooperatives Tres Cadires, L’OIivera, and Sarau Estudis have embarked on a new adventure to take their wines, vermouths, and liqueurs to new international markets, mainly eyeing Northern Europe.

Based in the western Catalan region of Lleida, the three alcohol producers have joined forces to create the project “Intercooperation to Export”, where they will meet with different countries and attend trade fairs to meet with potential customers.

The idea is also for the collectives to exchange know-how with each other, and serve as a model for other cooperatives with similar international ambitions.

Establishing a "solid" channel

A few years ago, L’Olivera and Tres Cadires expanded their businesses outside Catalonia and Spain. 

Tres Cadires, in particular, tried to enter the Danish market, but could not establish a “solid” exportation channel beyond a few sales here and there, explains Andreu Culleré of Tres Cadires to the Catalan News Agency (ACN).

Founded nine years ago in the rural town of Arbeca, the cooperative produces spirits that it sells to businesses locally in Catalonia. However, their presence in the Catalan market has reached a “standstill.”

So now, they are keen to expand their business to Northern Europe, where elements of artisanal production such as quality, ecology, and social economy are highly valued.

Among the countries they want to explore are Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and the Baltic States.