Following the success of last year’s event, we are pleased to announce the Luxembourg Sake Challenge 2025. First held in 2022, this competition has become a valuable platform for showcasing how Japanese sake is received and evaluated in the heart of Europe. Now in its fourth year, we aim to further highlight Luxembourg’s unique appeal and encourage even greater participation from sake breweries.
Strategic Location
Luxembourg shares borders with Belgium, Germany, and France, making it an ideal hub in the heart of Europe. With its excellent transportation network, the country offers seamless access to markets across the continent. This logistical advantage is particularly beneficial for distributing Japanese sake and other products, facilitating efficient transportation and expansion into the European market. As a key player in international logistics, Luxembourg serves as a crucial gateway for product distribution across Europe.
A Multicultural Market Open to New Trends
Luxembourg is a multicultural country where over 50% of the population consists of expatriates. This diversity fosters openness to new cultures and products, including Japanese sake, ingredients, and seasonings. With a well-developed gourmet culture and a growing interest in Japanese cuisine, sake is rapidly gaining traction as an exciting new category.
Additionally, Luxembourg’s close-knit community values word-of-mouth and networking. Due to the country’s small size, trends can gain momentum quickly. Once a product earns a strong reputation, it can rapidly reach a broad audience, creating opportunities for further market expansion.
Moreover, success in Luxembourg often extends to neighboring countries. Given its close proximity to Belgium, Germany, and France, a successful product or brand in Luxembourg frequently gains recognition across the region, further amplifying its reach in Europe.
Strong Economy and High-Quality Consumer Demand
Luxembourg boasts the highest GDP per capita in the world, making it one of the most economically stable countries. Consumers here have strong purchasing power and a keen interest in premium products, particularly fine dining and alcoholic beverages. This economic strength and market stability create an ideal environment for introducing high-quality sake to a sophisticated European audience.
Internationally Recognized Sake Evaluation
The Luxembourg Sake Challenge (LUXSC) is judged by certified sake sommeliers from across Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany, France, the UK, and beyond. Last year, we welcomed a judge from Canada, further enhancing the global scope of the evaluation process. By incorporating international perspectives and professional assessment criteria, this event provides a prestigious platform to highlight the unique qualities of Japanese sake and expand its global appeal.
Expanding the Culture of Japanese Sake
Following last year’s success, interest in Japanese sake continues to grow. The 2025 event will once again bring together sake enthusiasts and industry professionals in Luxembourg, offering a platform for participants to experience the depth and complexity of sake. Through this initiative, new opportunities for sake in the European market will continue to emerge.
Trusted and Experienced Organizers
LUXSC is an international sake competition co-hosted by:
- The Sake Sommelier Association (SSA) headquarters in the UK
- GLOBAL LINK SARL (House of Japan), a leading importer, distributor, and sake education provider in Luxembourg
The event will take place at the official residence of the Ambassador of Japan in Luxembourg, ensuring a prestigious setting for the competition. With Makiko Gräfin von Oberndorff, President of GLOBAL LINK SARL (House of Japan), and Yves-Martin Boisclair, Head of the SSA Education Department, bringing their expertise and passion for sake, this is a unique opportunity for your brewery to gain recognition on the international stage.
Makiko Gräfin von Oberndorff
Yves-Martin Boisclair
Join the Luxembourg Sake Challenge 2025!
Your sake has the potential to make a significant impact not only in Luxembourg but across Europe. We invite you to participate in LUXSC 2025 and take advantage of this exceptional opportunity.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Strategic Location
Luxembourg shares borders with Belgium, Germany, and France, making it an ideal hub in the heart of Europe. With its excellent transportation network, the country offers seamless access to markets across the continent. This logistical advantage is particularly beneficial for distributing Japanese sake and other products, facilitating efficient transportation and expansion into the European market. As a key player in international logistics, Luxembourg serves as a crucial gateway for product distribution across Europe.
A Multicultural Market Open to New Trends
Luxembourg is a multicultural country where over 50% of the population consists of expatriates. This diversity fosters openness to new cultures and products, including Japanese sake, ingredients, and seasonings. With a well-developed gourmet culture and a growing interest in Japanese cuisine, sake is rapidly gaining traction as an exciting new category.
Additionally, Luxembourg’s close-knit community values word-of-mouth and networking. Due to the country’s small size, trends can gain momentum quickly. Once a product earns a strong reputation, it can rapidly reach a broad audience, creating opportunities for further market expansion.
Moreover, success in Luxembourg often extends to neighboring countries. Given its close proximity to Belgium, Germany, and France, a successful product or brand in Luxembourg frequently gains recognition across the region, further amplifying its reach in Europe.
Strong Economy and High-Quality Consumer Demand
Luxembourg boasts the highest GDP per capita in the world, making it one of the most economically stable countries. Consumers here have strong purchasing power and a keen interest in premium products, particularly fine dining and alcoholic beverages. This economic strength and market stability create an ideal environment for introducing high-quality sake to a sophisticated European audience.
