RDP project database
Open-Access Incubator for Wine Producers
Summary
This project supports the development of wine with protected designation of origin (DO). The funding helps to reduce the start-up costs for wine entrepreneurs of acquiring an incubator and assist those wishing to position their wine on the market.
Background
This winery is based in the region Conca de Bárbera and on the site of Spain's first agrarian cooperative founded in 1884. Traditionally, each municipality would bring its grapes to the cooperative. Before the start of this project, wine was being sold in large quantities to producers, not by the bottle and so the value add was also being transported elsewhere. This project supports wine entrepreneurs in the production and commercialization of their wines through a new style of incubator.
Objective
The objective is to promote entrepreneurship in the wine industry and to encourage the establishment of business for making and distributing wine with the denominación de origen (designation of origin, DO) Conca. In making the use of an incubator affordable for wine businesses starting out, the project gives more wine entrepreneurs the opportunity to access the regional, national and international wine markets.
Main activities
As well as facilitating the start-up of new companies producing wine with DO Conca, EAFRD funds have also helped to renovate the historical building of the winery. The wine entrepreneurs who have a 5-year 'lease' of the incubator shared with 5 other entrepreneurs, also receive courses in the commercialization of their wines, focused on direct sales, internet sales, and sales to wholesalers and retailers. Their is also a machine for each microenterprise to produce its own label for its wine.
Results & Benefits
Since starting the rotation of wine entrepreneurs in 2007, a number of entrepreneurs have gone on to successfully set up their own wine businesses, with new wine entrepreneurs taking their place to use the incubator and their own assigned 2500 litres of capacity. A further Leader project will provide 9-10 businesses with access to the incubator.
Lessons learnt
The specialisation of a business incubator, particularly in industries that are difficult to enter, can facilitate the creation of businesses and foster an entrepreneurial spirit. Given the cost of a normal incubator can be up to 300 000 EUR, the replication of this project elsewhere could drastically reduce costs as well as minimise risks for wine entrepreneurs starting out.
Project location and other information
Conca de Bárbera, Cataluña
Region
Cataluña
RDP Territory
Cataluña
Total project cost (€)
450 000
EAFRD contribution (€)
100 000
National contribution (€)
350 000
Contact name
Jordi Gine, Ramon Ribas
Telephone
977861338
Languages for contact
English, Spanish
At a glance
Country
Spain
Final beneficiary type
Individual farmers, Producer groups
Budget range
€100 000 - €500 000
Start date:
01/01/2006
Theme / Measure:
Rural Quality of Life & Economic Diversification
Improving quality of life in rural areas
323. Conservation and upgrading of the rural heritage
Keywords:
Business centre, Business planning, Entrepreneurship, Wine
Last update
13/02/2012