CHINA. China Duty Free Group (CDFG) and ultra-luxury Laurent-Perrier Group-owned Champagne Salon launched the brand’s newly-released 2013 vintage at a special event in Beijing on 28 April. It follows last year’s successful global first launch of the 2102 vintage by the partners.
A tasting event led by CDFG Executive Vice President Luke Chang and Champagne Salon President Didier Depond highlighted this year’s launch.
Twelve cdf diamond and platinum members – all long-time loyal followers of Champagne Salon – were selected out of more than 27 million cdf members to attend the event. They became the first members in the world to taste the 2013 vintage.
2013 is the 44th vintage released in Champagne Salon’s 120-year history and is described as “distinctive for its extraordinary stature, which will forever set it apart”.
A line-up of premium and rare Champagnes including Salon 2013 and 1997 Delamotte Blanc de Blancs NV; Delamotte Blanc de Blancs 2014; and three bottles of Delamotte Blanc de Blancs 1993, all selected by Didier Depond from his personal collection and a Argentinean fine wine from Tiano & Nareno were tasted at the event.
Chang said: “As the exclusive global duty free retailer of Champagne Salon, China Duty Free Group has been committed to conveying the heritage and brand culture of this ultra-luxury Champagne to Chinese consumers.
“The implementation of the offshore duty free policy in Hainan has provided us with more platforms to engage in in-depth cooperation with Champagne Salon.
“More and more consumers are aware that Champagne Salon directly supplied by the Champagne house can be purchased in the stores of CDFG, as well as the extremely rare back vintages, magnum and cdf-exclusive signature limited edition.”
He added: “Last year, China Duty Free Group successfully first-launched Champagne Salon vintage 2012. This year is the second consecutive year that we are proud to be the world’s first retailer to launch the new vintage. I believe our cooperation will become even closer in the future.”
Champagne Salon 2013 regular 750ml and 60 magnum bottles signed by Didier Depond are now exclusively available in CDFG’s Hainan offshore duty free stores.
Commenting on the collaboration, Depond said: “I’m excited to launch the 2013 vintage with China Duty Free Group. We value our friendship but most importantly it is both of our teams’ expertise and professionalism that laid the foundation of our strong partnership.” 
