Celebrating that a family business like Tonelería Murúa has already reached 125 years brings valuable lessons and reflections to learn from. 2024 marks year 126—a new challenge to keep moving forward with renewed energy. This progress will take shape throughout the year, thanks to the trust of the companies that have helped Tonelería Murúa reach this milestone. Additionally, strengthening exports, achieving full digitalization of the company, and further consolidating the Tonelería Murúa brand in both the national and international markets are some of the key challenges for this year.
Lessons from 2023
The past year has not been easy for wineries, and Tonelería Murúa has also felt this challenge. However, despite the difficulties, the company experienced growth in export figures. Elena Ceca Antón, the fourth generation of the family and current manager of Tonelería Murúa, is pleased with the improvement in exports, as it makes 2023 “a good year in which we have also gained great knowledge of other markets.”
There is no doubt that 2023 has been marked by the celebration of the company’s 125th anniversary—an event that, according to Elena Ceca, has been “a boost of energy.” She adds: “We feel very proud to see that wineries and institutions appreciate the enormous effort required to sustain a family business recognized for its quality in different parts of the world.”
This boost of energy comes from the pride of looking back and “thinking about all the work and trust that our customers have placed in us year after year.”
New Year, New Challenges
2024 begins—the 126th year in the history of Tonelería Murúa. This new chapter arrives in a time of global change, and the company is ready to face it “with great enthusiasm and a strong desire to learn,” says Elena Ceca. As in previous years, wine remains at the heart of Tonelería Murúa. However, reality demands adapting to and coexisting with new products.
At Tonelería Murúa, some challenges remain constant, regardless of the calendar year. The most important one is continuing to earn the trust of the companies that have helped the business reach this point. That trust also fuels the company’s ability to prepare—through research and knowledge—for new business opportunities that will arise in the coming years.
Other challenges stem from the company’s commitment to improving processes and becoming even more competitive. In 2024, Tonelería Murúa will embark on a full digitalization project to enhance management control with greater detail and immediacy. This initiative has a dual objective: to improve internal operations and provide even better service, benefiting customers. A project that never loses sight of its ultimate goal—crafting barrels with an unparalleled level of excellence.
Optimistic Future
Exports will also play a key role in 2024. In 2023, sales outside Spain accounted for nearly 60% of the total. This figure reflects the company’s successful establishment in new markets, providing a solid foundation for future growth. Additionally, this ongoing effort is supported by the strengthening of Murúa’s brand image, which continues to gain recognition both in the national and international markets.
Tonelería Murúa also understands that it operates in a sector influenced by factors beyond the company’s control, such as the quality and quantity of harvests. The only way to overcome these challenges is by making a continuous effort to source the best raw materials, maintain rigorous control, and ensure excellence in management and craftsmanship. This commitment has allowed Tonelería Murúa to remain a benchmark in the industry for 125 years, and the company aims to uphold this position for another 125 years—starting with this newly launched 2024.
