In 1982 Jacques Lafitte opened a processing facility in Napa, California, known as
Lafitte Cork & Capsule. Today, the company is setting new standards for premium, high performance bar top closures, geared specifically toward luxury spirits, high-end oil and vinegar. Lafitte employs the technical expertise accumulated over 100 years in business to guarantee the perfect closure for brands. We recently caught up with Mark Hautala, the CEO of Lafitte USA, to learn more about Lafitte’s offerings.
In how many countries does Lafitte have production facilities? And what makes the one in Napa, California, special?
Mark Hautala: Lafitte Group currently operates production facilities in seven countries including France, Portugal, Spain, the United States, Chile, Italy and Germany. A few of these countries, such as France, Portugal and Spain, are home to multiple Lafitte production facilities. Our production facility in Napa employs a unique blend of old-world techniques and cutting-edge technology to deliver products of superior quality and craftsmanship. We offer the best service platform in North America and we pride ourselves on being the champion of the small- to medium-size producer.
What makes your corks, capsules and bar stoppers stand out?
Lafitte Group has earned the trust of wineries, distilleries and breweries throughout the industry that demand high standards of quality and exceptional service. In short, Lafitte draws on more than 105 years of experience to craft the highest quality closures and capsules in our industry.
Can you tell us a little about Lafitte’s sustainability efforts?
Lafitte Group aims to be a progressive community leader in sustainable production. We are committed to continuously improving the quality and integrity of our products and services, with an active focus on environmental responsibility. Lafitte Cork and Capsule Inc. in Napa is powered completely by solar energy and is nearly paperless. Since our solar initiative in 2006, we have retained the status of a California Green Business. After more than a decade of awards and feeling great about ourselves, we asked the toughest question: What can we do next to help the environment? So rather than sit idle during the pandemic we launched a tin recycling program known as Infini-TIN … aimed at reducing the amount of this precious metal used in the beverage industry.
In short, we place collection boxes with our customers in the their tasting rooms and ask them to strip the tin capsules from their bottles. We collect the boxes of recyclable product and ship it back to our factory in France where it is melted down and used to form new capsules. Tin is not only the most luxurious metal used in the production of beverage capsules, but there is virtually no limit to the number of times it can be reclaimed.
What are a few of your top offerings for craft spirits producers and what makes them special?
We are particularly proud of Artis by Lafitte, our line of bar top closures. Custom bar tops by Lafitte are the best way to express the creative vision behind your high-end spirits, olive oil or vinegar. From high-density plastic to precious metals, and everything in between, Lafitte uses the highest quality raw materials to create an eye-catching top. The top can be customized in a variety of different ways including laser branding, emboss, deboss, engraving or hot stamp. To complete your custom bar top we offer shanks made from high-quality natural cork or micro agglomerated cork.
Are the current issues with the supply chain having an impact on your business, and if so, how are you handling those challenges?
Everyone in our industry is facing serious challenges with logistics and Lafitte is no different. Lafitte has reacted by using multiple ports of entry into the United States, working closely with our customers on advanced planning and partnering with the best freight forwarding company. Lafitte Group certainly has an advantage in this area because we have manufacturing facilities all around the world. During times like these the most important thing for any company is to be agile.
As we take a look toward 2022, what trends are you watching in the world of craft spirits?
Lafitte is keenly focused on the smaller craft beverage producers. We maintain lower minimums of custom product than any of our competitors and we work diligently to provide excellent service and high-quality products to each and every customer regardless of their scope.
