Interview • Portraits
Spotlight on Eugena Ng Collery: The Journey of Maison Collery
Eugena Ng Collery, Director at Maison Collery Singapore shares the inspiring journey of bringing Champagne Collery to Singapore
1. Could you share the story behind the founding of Maison Collery in Singapore?
Maison Collery was born out of a deep personal connection to my husband’s family history. Before this, I had a successful career in the beauty industry, focusing on skincare sales distribution and product development. After taking up the Collery name, I felt a strong desire to bring a piece of my husband’s heritage to Singapore.
My husband grew up in the heart of the Champagne region, surrounded by the vineyards and the craft of winemaking. The stories of his childhood, spent playing in the vineyards and cellars during harvest, inspired me deeply. Champagne Collery has been produced in France since 1893, and now it was the right time to introduce this legacy to Singapore.
Starting Maison Collery was my way of sharing this rich heritage with a new audience, merging my personal journey with a family tradition I hold in high regard, and continuing the family legacy.
2. What inspired you to bring the legacy of Champagne Collery to Singapore, and how do you maintain its unique quality from France to Singapore?
Bringing Champagne Collery to Singapore was a natural choice for me. I wanted to introduce something truly special and authentic to the market, here for the first time, something that reflects both the quality and history of French Champagne.
Everything from the winemaking to the grape’s quality used contributes to the unique flavor of each house. I have invested time in reading extensively and taking specialized champagne and wine training classes. Additionally, I regularly attend wine and champagne tasting events to further enhance my knowledge and experience.
Maintaining its unique quality involves meticulous attention to detail. Every detail, from storage to transportation, is handled with precision.
Additionally, we provide thorough training for our local partners, to ensure they understand and uphold the standards of excellence that define Champagne Collery.
This way, when someone in Singapore opens a bottle, they get the true taste of Champagne Collery
3. As the exclusive importer and distributor of Champagne Collery in Singapore, how do you balance maintaining the heritage of the brand while catering to local preferences?
Balancing heritage with local preferences is both a challenge and an opportunity. I’m deeply committed to preserving the essence of Champagne Collery - its traditional methods, the exceptional quality, and the story behind it.
At the same time, I understand the importance of connecting with Singaporean consumers. This involves not only educating them about the unique qualities that set Champagne Collery apart but also adapting to local preferences in flavour profiles and dining culture.
By crafting tailored experiences and collaborations with local restaurants that resonate with the Singapore market, we maintain the brand’s heritage while making it relevant and appealing to local champagne enthusiasts. For example, we collaborated with Michelin- starred restaurants, to create exclusive tasting menus, paired with our Champagne.
4. What are your future plans for Maison Collery in Singapore?
Looking ahead, I plan to expand Maison Collery’s reach in Singapore. I want to connect with more restaurants and retailers who value quality. I would like to host tasting events to give people a deeper experience of Champagne Collery. These events would be a way to share the stories behind the brand.
While Champagne Collery remains our focus, I’m also excited to introduce ‘Friends of Maison Collery in Singapore’ from October this year. We have collaborated with two wineries, exceptional French winemakers – ‘Clos Culombu’ in the Balagne region, in Corsica and ‘Domaine Dubois d’Orgeval’ in the Beaune region, in Burgundy.
These exclusive discoveries, being brought to Singapore for the first time, will enhance the unique offerings at Maison Collery for our customers.
5. Finally, as an entrepreneur, what advice would you give to others looking to start a business?
Follow your passion while remaining practical. It’s essential to believe in what you’re doing, especially during challenging times. Equally important are having a clear plan, understanding your market, and being adaptable.
Begin with manageable steps, learn as you go, and continuously improve your skills.
Last but not least, build strong connections and surround yourself with supportive people, especially family and friends.
For more information please visit https://www.maisoncollery.com/
