Christian Schmitter
CroisiEurope
Christian Schmitter
Massenez 150 years
The waterway company founded by the Schmitter family in 1976 is the European leader with a fleet of 56 vessels, carrying 100 to 180 passengers and always Massenez, whatever the destination! In France, Europe or abroad, the Alsatian brand, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary, is still on deck, with strong development in 2011, corresponding to the takeover of Massenez by Bernard Baud and the launch of the Miss Massenez “Cocktail Concentrates”.
“Elodie Naslin and Bernard Baud had the brilliant idea of launching the cocktail concentrates and I congratulate them again! “, exclaims Christian Schmitter, director of CroisiEurope. “They have given a new dimension to the Eaux-de-Vie and cocktails with an interesting choice, fabulous names and every day, our cruise passengers taste a new cocktail, from an Alsatian Maison. It’s brilliant! I applaud their creativity, they have told a story, that of the Miss Travellers. The cocktails are attractive and appreciated by our customers, but also operational for our teams and prepared easily. »
Christian Schmitter had noticed a loss of turnover on the consumption of strong alcohols on the boats. He was in the middle of thinking about building a new “All Inclusive” offer. “When Elodie came to present the “Miss Massenez Cocktail Concentrates”, the timing was perfect, it was exactly what we were looking for. With Bernard, they gave themselves the means in terms of image, communication and above all quality products.
They listened to us, because we need a quick service behind the bar when we return from excursions. The concentrates met all our expectations. Elodie and Bernard even adapted the packaging to our needs with 3L and 5L jerry cans. Being able to adapt an offer to a customer is an incredible strength”.
“All innovations that are intrinsically good are good because they are the fruit of vision and reflection,” Bernard Baud stresses. “But the context takes precedence. Innovation must respond to a demand. Being avant-garde is not enough for success. In the entrepreneurial relationship, the essential thing is to be there at the right time to position oneself. Success in innovation lies in the adaptation of an offer and the confidence of the customer,” continues the CEO of Massenez. “The step must be taken together. The history between Massenez and CroisiEurope is based on roots that are solid enough for us to have this confidence. Our relationship is not in pure marketing, but in a relationship of evolution, sharing of ideas and mutual trust.
The 150 years with our partners and our ambassadors are above all human stories, because the best products are replaced over the years by new ones, while the bonds of friendship between people last.”
“With Christian, we had the chance to meet an entrepreneur who dared to propose our concept to his customers”, adds Elodie Naslin. “Today, Massenez products sail internationally on CroisiEurope boats. This is a great opportunity for Massenez, but also for Alsace in general. We are very proud of it! Thank you Christian for your confidence “.