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Stylish Practicality: Interview With Benoît Favier, CEO of EuroCave

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At the head of EuroCave, the French company that pioneered the wine cabinet nearly 50 years ago, Benoît Favier brings calm determination, strategic clarity, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. Since stepping into the role of CEO in 2021, he has focused on strengthening the brand’s core values: quality, innovation and French manufacturing, while confidently steering it into the future. Favier’s connection to wine is personal.

Growing up in a household where Alsace and Burgundy wines were often on the table, he developed an early appreciation for the emotion and ritual surrounding wine.

With a professional background in luxury and gastronomy, including various roles at the renowned kitchen brand La Cornue, he brings a nuanced understanding of how tradition and innovation can coexist meaningfully.

At EuroCave, this philosophy is reflected in an ambitious roadmap. The company is launching new generations of cabinets, more customisable, connected and designed to meet today’s expectations and modern interiors.

Innovation, for Favier, is never about gadgets; it’s about silent performance: stable temperatures and humidity, no vibrations, and intelligent design that respects the wine and enhances the customer experience. He also sees a shift in how people engage with wine. Beyond collecting, today’s wine lovers seek a lifestyle and an experience that connects culture and craftsmanship. Through EuroCave Connect, personalised service, and expertly designed products, Favier is positioning EuroCave to meet that evolving demand.

With 80% of production exported and a presence in over 70 countries, EuroCave remains the global reference in wine preservation, discreetly elevating how the world stores and serves wine, always with unmistakable French savoir-faire.

 

What Drew You To The Wine Industry?

 

Wine has always been part of my family meals. Alsace wines and Burgundy Pinot noir were very often on the table. With age, these moments sparked more than just appreciation; over time, they nurtured a passion for wine tasting.

In my career path, I worked for several industries including luxury and gastronomy. In 2021, I had the opportunity to join passion and work while joining EuroCave group as CEO.

 

Why Has There Been An Increase In People With An Interest In Fine Wines?

 

People today have a growing appreciation for quality, craftsmanship and the lifestyle that fine wine represents. Compared to the past, consumers are more curious and better informed about wine. In a fast-paced world, wine offers a way to slow down and enjoy special, quality moments.

This deeper appreciation also leads people to take better care of their wines and invest in higher-quality bottles. We can clearly see a trend of customers willing to spend more for an exceptional wine experience.

What Is The Challenge You Are Solving In The Industry?

 

At EuroCave, we ensure optimal wine preservation, protecting not just the bottle, but the emotion and value it holds. The challenge today is twofold: adapting to climate change and meeting rising customer expectations around experience. We’re ready.

For decades, we’ve designed cabinets that perform in all climates, from Asia to Europe, giving us unique expertise in adapting to diverse conditions. This is especially key for fragile wines like organic and natural varieties.

Our next-generation cabinets (launching in 2026) will push further: energy-efficient, eco-designed, and fully customisable. We’re also enhancing the customer experience with our EuroCave Connect app, a connected device that helps users monitor and simplify their wine journey.

The fine wine market is evolving and requires ongoing attention. Since 2024, demand has softened, especially in China, and younger investors show less interest. The en primeur system is showing signs of obsolescence, particularly in light of a market that has evolved significantly and now places greater emphasis on customer relationships.

While these changes are moderate, they call for vigilance and adaptability. Nonetheless, the Liv-ex Fine Wine 100 Index’s steady growth over the past decade confirms fine wine’s continued appeal as a tangible, diversifying investment.

 

What Challenges Come With Trying To Modernise An Otherwise Older Industry?

 

A wine cellar exists simply to preserve and serve the wine; it must follow the trends and adapt to the changing world of wine. Modernising it without losing what makes it special is a real challenge. Innovation must be introduced carefully and always respecting the essence of the product. Any new technology or idea should serve the wine and enhance the customer experience.

 

What Does Innovation Look Like When It Comes To A Wine Cellar?

 

Climate change is transforming the way wine is stored. Today, it is essential to recreate the perfect microclimate to protect every bottle, even in a small space like a wine cabinet. For us, innovation is mostly invisible: it’s about air quality, stable temperature, no vibrations and controlled humidity.

It’s also about user-friendly design, durable materials and a style that fits modern homes. And in the future, it will be a cellar that talks to its owner, anticipates their needs, and supports their passion.

 

What Skills And Experiences From Your Finance Past Have Come To Help You In This New Role?

 

Working in large, structured organisations like Sanofi and Louis Vuitton, alongside exceptional talent, gave me the opportunity to observe and adopt best-in-class leadership practices. I also learned that success depends on finding the right balance between organization and agility. Above all, I’ve seen that the best outcomes come from trusting your team and giving everyone the space to excel.

 

What Do You See The Next Few Years In The Wine Industry Looking Like?

 

Wine will continue to captivate, but expectations are changing. Organic practices, traceability, and environmental impact are becoming increasingly important. At the same time, wine is becoming more international, appealing to a younger audience and connecting more closely with lifestyle. The act of tasting wine is no longer just about the glass itself; it’s becoming a broader experience.

From wine tourism to immersive events, the enjoyment of wine now extends far beyond simple tasting. The future lies in creating communities around shared passion, offering diverse and engaging ways to connect with the world of wine. To stay relevant, producers, distributors, and manufacturers like us will need to embrace this shift with both agility.

 

What’s Next For Eurocave?

 

Our ambition is clear: to remain the world’s leading name in wine preservation. We will continue to innovate, focusing on adapting to the evolving needs and habits of our customers to improve their overall experience.

Our ambition is clear: to remain the world’s leading name in wine preservation. We will continue to innovate, focusing on adapting to the evolving needs and habits of our customers to improve their overall experience. And in short term, we celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2026.

 

How Can We Find You?

 

EuroCave is present in over 70 countries through a network of partner distributors and exclusive boutiques. In UK market, you can find us on our official website eurocave.co.uk and in our London showroom (57 Chiltern Street, W1U 6ND London). Our teams are always available to advise you on the best way to store your bottles.

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