Raheem Akingbolu
Punch Marketing, promoters of Sainte Croix, the premium quality cognac, have said that the entry of the brand to Nigeria signals the arrival of the French Cognac heritage and a quality associated only with the best.
It now offers consumers an exciting and challenging experience, one that challenges the establishment and the senses of Congac drinkers.
The company made this assertion at the exclusive event, held in Lagos recently, to present the brand to their Nigerian consumers.
The company’s Country Manager (Nigeria), Chris Parkes, said Sainte Croix, which has been in existence since 1756 and celebrated around the world, delivers the best Cognac experience that the Charente and Charente-Maritime regions of France have come to be known for.
Parkes referred to Sainte Croix as a masterpiece, for connoisseurs and friends, saying the superb quality the brand has been associated with and celebrated across the world over the centuries, is an attestation to the quantum of patience and meticulousness that go into the making of Saint Croix, it is truly the spirit of courage.
He painted the picture of the rigorous process that goes into the making Sainte Croix thus:
“We pick only the finest mature white grapes at the annual harvest to ensure that the white wines that are produced from them are perfect. These selected wines are distilled twice to create the flawless eau-de-vie variants and only the most bold and distinctive variants are selected to be placed in aged wooden barrels for a minimum of not two years as is normal for VS but for four years. VSOP is not just the normal four years but eight and the XO… not just 15 years but 30,” he said.
While he urged consumers to explore their own creativity with Sainte Croix Cognac and cocktails, he informed that there are hundreds of cocktail recipes out there that Sainte Croix takes to the next level.
“Our entry into the Nigerian market has elicited a lot of excitement among Nigerian consumers, understandably. The same premium quality that has come to be associated with Sainte Croix across the globe is the reason for this excitement. One thing is sure, this feeling is going to be much more in the coming days as the brand gains a stronger foothold in the country,” he added.
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of Bolanle Ninalowo, a Nigerian actor and film producer as the brand ambassador.
Speaking shortly after the unveiling, Ninolowo, also known as Nino, expressed his excitement at being chosen as the brand ambassador.
