Baccarat (company)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Luxury goods, Crystal manufacturing |
| Founded | 1 January 1764 in Baccarat, Meurthe-et-Moselle, France |
| Founder | Cardinal Louis-Joseph de Laval-Montmorency |
| Headquarters | Baccarat , France |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Margareth Henriquez (CEO), Adam Banfield (President & CEO North America Operations) |
| Products | Fine crystal, chandeliers, decorative items, glassware, jewellery, perfume |
Number of employees | over 3,000 (by 1816), 2,223 (by 1900) |
| Website | www |
Baccarat () is a prestigious French luxury brand and manufacturer specializing in fine crystal, headquartered in Baccarat, Meurthe-et-Moselle, France. The company manages two museums dedicated to its heritage: the Musée Baccarat located in Baccarat and the Musée Baccarat situated in Paris on the Place des États-Unis.
Until 2005, Groupe du Louvre held the majority ownership of the company. Subsequently, it was purchased by Starwood Capital Group, which utilized the brand's prestige to develop the luxury Baccarat Hotel New York, featuring its signature chandeliers, decorative items, and glassware.
In 2018, an 88.8% ownership stake was acquired by Beijing-based financial firm Fortune Fountain Capital from Starwood Capital Group and L Catterton. Later, on 23 December 2020, control of Fortune Fountain Limited (FFL)—the holding entity with a 97% share in Baccarat—was transferred to four Hong Kong-based investment funds: Tor Investment Management, Sammasan, Dolphin, and Corbin.
1764–1816
Following the shutdown of the Rozières saltworks in 1760, an abundance of driftwood became available in the Baccarat region. Monseigneur de Montmorency-Laval, bishop of Metz and a significant proprietor of the Vosges forest, aimed to harness this resource by founding a glassworks factory in Baccarat to promote local industry. In 1764, King Louis XV of France granted permission for establishing this glassworks in Baccarat, Lorraine, under the patronage of Cardinal Louis-Joseph de Laval-Montmorency (1710–1802). Initially focused on producing windowpanes, mirrors, and stemware, the factory installed its inaugural crystal furnace in 1816 and employed over 3,000 workers by that time.
1823–1870
Although still referred to as "Verrerie," the factory increasingly concentrated on crystal production using a distinctive adaptation of English techniques rather than Bohemian methods. To maintain business continuity, Gabriel d'Artigues sold the enterprise to three wealthy partners: Pierre-Antoine Godard-Desmarest (former military supplies director), François-Marie-Augustin Lescuyer-Vespin (landowner), and Nicolas-Rémy Lolot (merchant). This acquisition was finalized by 1823 at a price of FF 396,000. Godard-Desmarest also acquired the Trélon glassworks near timber-abundant forests to expand manufacturing capacity.
In 1824, Baccarat transitioned into a limited company. Godard-Desmarest appointed engineer Jean-Baptiste Toussaint to oversee operations, thereby founding two family lineages—owners and managers.
The company received its initial royal commission in 1823 from King Louis XVIII, marking the beginning of an enduring tradition of orders from monarchs and heads of state worldwide. The factory prospered alongside growth in the luxury market and benefited from its proximity to numerous earthenware manufacturers who repurposed crystal remnants.
In 1841, engineer François-Eugène de Fontenay made advancements in colored glass production and created multicolored crystal paperweights.
From 1846 to 1895, watermarked glass featuring an engraved "B" enjoyed considerable success both domestically and internationally.
Baccarat was awarded its first gold medal at the Paris World's Fair in 1855.
By 1860, Baccarat had registered its trademark on all products through labels affixed to each item. Between 1846 and 1849, select premium millefiori paperweights displayed the letter "B" alongside date marks.
During this era, Baccarat expanded its luxury crystalware range—including chandeliers, vases, and perfume bottles—establishing a global reputation for excellence in high-quality crystal craftsmanship.
1870–1936
Following the 1870 collapse of Napoleon III, Baccarat's creations began to incorporate a wider range of global inspirations, especially from Japanese imports. The firm gained significant recognition across Asia and within royal households, including commissions from Portugal’s queen, whose decorative works are now exhibited at the Ajuda National Palace.
By 1891, the majority of the town's 5,723 inhabitants were employed by the crystal factory, which expanded from 1,125 employees in 1855 to 2,223 by 1900, positioning it as one of France’s largest industrial establishments.
At the turn of the century, Baccarat opened a Parisian warehouse, retail outlet, and bronze workshop close to Gare de l'Est. By 1899, this location employed 246 staff members and later served as the Baccarat Museum until its closure in 2003.
Perfume bottle production surged to over 4,000 units daily by 1907. In 1936, Baccarat introduced a system to mark all its products using acid etching or sandblasting techniques.
1936–2000
During the Second World War, Baccarat crafted crystal Francisques for Marshal Philippe Pétain and produced commemorative pieces honoring Pierre Laval. Gilbert de La Poix de Fréminville (1886–1941) led the company at the war’s onset.
In 1948, Baccarat established its American branch in New York City, creating designs such as the Cylon Carrier — Napoleon Hat model (1958).
To celebrate its 230th anniversary in 1994, Baccarat designed an enormous crystal chandelier featuring 230 lights.
Facing a luxury market downturn in 1993, Baccarat expanded its product range into jewellery and entered the perfume sector by 1997. That same year introduced a distinctive red tassel engraved with Baccarat’s "B" on their chandeliers.
In 2005, renowned designer Philippe Starck launched the "Darkside" collection including the Zenith chandelier.
Baccarat maintains retail locations across the United States in Costa Mesa (CA), Houston (TX), Greenwich (CT), New York City, Palm Desert (CA), Las Vegas, and Miami (FL). A retrospective exhibition at the Louvre in 1964 commemorated its bicentennial anniversary.
2000–2010
In 2003, Baccarat moved to a new site in Paris. Marking its 250th anniversary in 2014, the company unveiled the fragrance Baccarat Rouge 540 created by Maison Francis Kurkdjian and hosted an exhibition at Paris's Petit Palais.
2011–present
Jim Shreve was appointed president and CEO of Baccarat’s North American division in 2016. In 2019, actress Tan Zhuo became Baccarat's inaugural Chinese brand ambassador.
The company has supported UNICEF’s annual Snowflake Ball and engaged in philanthropic initiatives such as New York City's Cow Parade benefiting God’s Love We Deliver, The Trifecta Gala for cancer research and community causes, and partnered with the Virgil Abloh Post Modern Scholarship Fund. Additionally, Baccarat collaborates with The National YoungArts Foundation to nurture emerging talent.
In May 2019, Baccarat joined forces with Woodford Reserve to launch a limited edition American whiskey named Woodford Reserve Baccarat Edition. That year during Miami Art Basel, Baccarat worked alongside designer Virgil Abloh of Off-White. In October 2019, American streetwear brand Supreme announced a collaboration with Baccarat.
Margareth Henriquez, previously CEO of Krug Champagne, was appointed CEO of Baccarat in April 2021. During Paris Fashion Week in October 2021, Baccarat revealed its special Harcourt glass edition celebrating its 180th anniversary with designs by Yoshiki, Imane Ayissi, Charles de Vilmorin, among others.
Adam Banfield took over as President & CEO of North America Operations in May 2023. The following month saw the launch of the Baccarat Speakeasy in partnership with Zacapa for the 76th Tony Awards. In August 2023 at the Baccarat Hotel New York, Greek tennis player Maria Sakkari and Italian athlete Jannik Sinner participated in Baccarat’s first Petit Slam event. November 2023 featured a collaboration with American designer Thom Browne.
Baccarat showcased its presence at prestigious luxury events by presenting the 2024 Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational held at Gulfstream Park.
World War II
During 1940, German forces took control of the Baccarat factory, forcing all personnel to leave and converting the premises into a transit camp for prisoners of war, where approximately 20,000 French captives were held.
Discrimination
In 1999, Baccarat, Inc. was found responsible for discriminatory practices against an employee who spoke Spanish. Later, in 2017, the company faced a civil rights lawsuit alleging violations under the Americans With Disabilities Act as well as New York state human rights regulations. By 2020, Baccarat resolved an EEOC case by paying $100,000 related to harassment claims involving race, sexual orientation, and disability at its Manhattan retail location.
Complaints
A complaint was lodged by California authorities in 1991 against Baccarat for marketing lead-containing crystal decanters that breached the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act. In 2019, Baccarat’s crystal manufacturing plant compensated 30 workers €13,000 each following asbestos exposure and was held accountable for a worker’s death due to asbestos-induced cancer. The following year, 264 former employees received €9,000 apiece as compensation for anxiety linked to asbestos contact.
In 2021, Baccarat became embroiled in a trademark conflict with artist Kalliope Amorphous, which generated notable discussion on social media platforms.