"If you have the passion and ambition to export, just do it!"
From a young age, Jessica van Spaendonck knew that she wanted to run her own business when she grew up. That dream became a reality in 2017, when she founded her company VINADA Wines. An ambitious brand of sparkling, alcohol-free wines from Spain and France. Her products are now sold in more than 30 countries and her company went on to win the Oranje Trade Mission Fund (OHMF) in 2022. How has that helped her? And what stage has she reached with her business?
Alcohol-free wine: born from the desire for a good alternative
VINADA Wines produces and sells three varieties of sparkling, alcohol-free vegan wines. The company is thinking big: VINADA aims to become the leading alcohol-free wine brand, recognised worldwide as a delicious, premium and high-quality alternative.
Van Spaendonck explains, “I do not mind admitting, it all began out of self-interest. My health meant that I wasn’t always able to drink wine with alcohol.” The idea of starting an alcohol-free brand first came to her in 2008, when she was a student of business administration. By 2015, a range of non-alcoholic drinks had appeared on the market, but wine was not one of them.
“I thought, if nobody comes up with a good alternative, I will do it myself.” Van Spaendonck went in search of vintners in Spain and France who were interested in joining her on this adventure and willing to put the product’s theoretical feasibility to the test. “Obviously, this is the very brief summary of a lengthy process,” Van Spaendonck adds. Registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce followed in 2017.
Van Spaendonck makes wine for people who cannot, should not or prefer not to drink alcohol, yet want the same experience and taste sensation as a good glass of wine. She hopes her business will help raise social awareness about alcohol consumption.
Participation in the 2022 Oranje Trade Mission Fund
In 2022, Van Spaendonck and VINADA Wines was one of the ten winners of the Oranje Trade Mission Fund (Oranje Handelmissiefonds, OHMF). But taking part was not her idea: “Out of the blue, I received a confirmation email to say thank you for signing up. A colleague had taken the plunge for me! We had specified the United States as our country of focus, as by that time we were already operating in 12 states. Today our operations have widened to 15. Thanks to the Fund, we have made a host of new contacts that can help us take the next step in growing and developing VINADA Wines in the US.”
Tip: just do it!
Van Spaendonck explains, “If you have the passion and ambition to export, just do it! It’s all too easy to come up with countless reasons why it cannot be done. Cast off those doubts and follow your heart. If things do not work out, you can always look for a job.”
“The Netherlands Enterprise Agency has also been a great help,” Van Spaendonck reveals. “One of the first parties to approach us was an Australian distributor. In terms of laws and regulations, that was uncharted territory for me. One of the first things I did was call the Agency, and they immediately got back to me with practical guidance. I called and asked for help – it could not have been simpler.”
Your next step: finding help and advice
Do you have ambitions to export your products or services? We will be happy to help you on your way. If you have specific questions about your export plans, feel free to contact us. Our advisers are on hand to support you!
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
