“As a dual citizen of the US and Luxembourg, it’s incredibly rewarding to lead Ansay International,” Kate says. “The business began with just a few cases of Bofferding beer at the Luxembourg Fest here in Wisconsin in 2015, and it's been growing ever since.”

The initiative actually began after Georges Lentz,  family owner of the Brasserie Nationale, visited the Luxembourg American Cultural Society (LACS) based in Belgium, Wisconsin.  Today Ansay International carries not just the beer, but also products from the Domaines Vinsmoselle winery; cider producer, Ramborn; and products from the Moutarderie de Luxembourg. 

“One of my favourite aspects of the job is getting to spend time in Luxembourg visiting each one. They always have something new and exciting to offer,” Kate added.

The import business, but Luxembourg more broadly, “is a passion. A lot of people here are Luxembourg-Americans, discovering their roots and finding their relatives,” Mike adds. 

Mike, like his daughter, is also a dual citizen. (He adds that many Luxembourg-Americans there are currently educating themselves on voting in the next national elections, something he says they have a sense of responsibility to.) Mike’s parents both hailed from Luxembourg and, although they didn’t speak Luxembourgish to him growing up, his father was “very involved [e.g., with LACS], and spoke the language very well.” 

Mike continued that mission and has served as honorary consul in Wisconsin for around a decade. The products imported by Ansay International are quite a success with the community there, especially, for example, during the annual Luxembourg Fest Week, which next takes place 12-13 August 2023.  

The team anticipates adding more products to their portfolio in future.  Kate adds, “We’re also pleased to have emerged from the pandemic years stronger than ever. We expect 2023 to be our best year yet in terms of sales and reach.”