Cape Best

What Cape Best does

Cape Best is a family-owned Italian e-commerce and concept-store business operating under VPG Value Performance Group s.r.l. (registered trademark 'Cape Best'), founded in 2011 by Ornella and Andrea in Milan following a trip to Cape Town. The company curates and distributes South African-inspired products — chiefly handcrafted reclaimed wood picture frames (made from repurposed boat parts, doors, and windows), South African wines from nine estates (Kanonkop, Boschendal, Jordan, Anthonij Rupert, Bellingham, Perdeberg, Saronsberg, Simonsig, plus Amarula), and a growing portfolio of design objects and art collectibles including Ardmore Design ceramics, Andile Dyalvane ceramics, Carrol Boyes tableware, Monkeybiz beaded figurines, KAWS figurines, Mr. Brainwash pieces, and Artist Plate Project works. Since 2023, second-generation leader Arianna has expanded into international artist collaborations (Andrea De Santis for World Book Day 2025) and a Cape Best Lovers four-tier loyalty program.

The technology foundation is a Shopify-powered e-commerce storefront (www.capebestshop.it) supporting multi-currency (EUR, USD, GBP, AUD, CHF, CZK, PLN, RON, HUF, SEK) and multi-language (Italian, English, German) checkout, with extensive payment integrations (Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Shop Pay, Bancontact, BLIK, iDEAL, MobilePay, Visa, Mastercard, Maestro). A proprietary Interactive Room Visualizer tool allows customers to upload photos and preview frame placement. The company operates an appointment-based showroom at Viale Aretusa 37 in Milan (open Tuesday-Saturday) and a legal/administrative headquarters in Genoa.

The business model is primarily direct-to-consumer one-time product sales through the owned e-commerce storefront, supplemented by showroom retail and a developing B2B channel involving zone-exclusive partnerships with Italian retailers/designers and HORECA wine supply. Revenue is not publicly disclosed; the company is privately held with no institutional funding rounds recorded. Customer segments span art and design enthusiasts, wine collectors, HORECA buyers, Italian retail partners, and gift shoppers — with the first two being primary. Geographic reach covers Italy (primary), 26 other EU/EEA countries plus UK, Switzerland, USA, Canada, and Australia.

Name

Cape Best

Legal name

VPG Value Performance Group s.r.l.

Website

https://capebestshop.it

Company type

Private

Founded year

2011

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Cape Best is a family-owned Italian e-commerce and concept store curating South African reclaimed-wood frames, wines from nine South African estates, and design objects for individual consumers, art collectors, and HORECA buyers across Italy, the EU, USA, Canada, and Australia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Curated Home Décor and Wine Retail

NAICS

Home Furnishings Retailers (44912), Art Dealers (45992), Used Merchandise Retailers (459510)

SIC

Retail-Home Furniture, Furnishings & Equipment Stores (5700)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYCRAIANAH

Architectural Salvage & Reclaimed Building Elements Retail (Doors, Windows, Mantels)

Consumer Products & Retail/Home & Furniture Retail/Secondhand, Vintage & Consignment Home Furnishings Retail

SECONDARYCRAIANAI

Reclaimed Materials & Fixtures Retail (Cabinetry, Sinks, Faucets)

Consumer Products & Retail/Home & Furniture Retail/Secondhand, Vintage & Consignment Home Furnishings Retail

SECONDARYCRALAGAE

Vintage & Antique Collectibles Retail

Consumer Products & Retail/Specialty Retail (Hobby, Books, Office, Pet, Toys)/Collectibles, Trading Cards & Memorabilia Retail

Keywords

• Reclaimed wood frames
• South african wines
• Home decor curation
• Art collectibles retail
• Wine distribution Italy

Headquarters

HQ city

Milan

HQ country

Italy

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. E-commerce Product Sales: Direct online sales of handcrafted reclaimed wood frames, South African wines, and design objects through the Cape Best e-commerce platform. Products are shipped directly to customers worldwide.
2. Showroom Retail Sales: In-person sales at the appointment-based showroom in Milan, Viale Aretusa 37. Customers can view products, receive personalized consultations, and make purchases directly.
3. HORECA Wine Distribution: B2B supply of South African wines to bars, restaurants, and hotels. Also offers wine for events and weddings with special conditions.
4. B2B Frame Distribution: Zone-exclusive partnerships with Italian stores, designers, and photography studios to resell Cape Best frame collections.
5. Gift Cards: Digital gift cards available in denominations of €25, €50, €100, €200, and €500, valid for all products on the e-commerce site with no expiration.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Cape Best curates and retails handcrafted reclaimed-wood picture frames made from salvaged South African materials, a portfolio of boutique South African wines from estates such as Kanonkop, Boschendal, Jordan, and Simonsig, and a selection of design objects and limited-edition art collectibles from South African artisans and international artists. The company sells primarily through its own Shopify e-commerce site (www.capebestshop.it) and an appointment-based showroom in Milan, with secondary wholesale to HORECA accounts and Italian retail partners.

Product overview

Cape Best is a family-run Italian concept store specializing in a curated selection of unique products connecting Italy with South African craftsmanship and culture. The core product offerings consist of three main pillars: (1) handcrafted reclaimed wood picture frames made from repurposed materials (boats, doors, windows) sourced from South Africa, available as individual pieces or pre-curated wall gallery compositions in various styles including Bohemian, Industrial, Minimal, Rustic, Nautical, Classic, and 1950s retro; (2) South African wines from prestigious estates including Boschendal, Jordan, Kanonkop, Simonsig, and others, featuring varietals such as Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cap Classique; and (3) design objects and art collectibles including South African ceramics (Ardmore Design, Andile Dyalvane), contemporary art pieces (KAWS, Mr. Brainwash, Takashi Murakami), and limited edition collaborations. The company also offers a Gift Card product and a loyalty program called Cape Best Lovers with tiered membership benefits. The business operates both online (e-commerce) and through a showroom in Milan (Viale Aretusa 37) by appointment.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Cornici in Legno Recuperato (Reclaimed Wood Frames)

Quantifiable outcome

• Kanonkop ranked among world's top 50 wineries by Drinks International
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration11 records

Feature2 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Andrea De SantiscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 April 2025Exclusive collaboration with Italian illustrator Andrea De Santis for a collection of artworks dedicated to World Book Day 2025. The illustrations are paired with handcrafted reclaimed wood frames from South Africa, creating unique art pieces that combine Italian creativity with South African craftsmanship.
• KAWSminorOthersResale of KAWS collectible vinyl figures including the Holiday Shanghai 2024 Companion with fluorescent moon. Limited edition collectibles targeted at art collectors.
• Mr. BrainwashminorOthersResale of Mr. Brainwash artwork and collectibles including Matchbox x Mr Brainwash Mini Cooper S collaboration.
• Artist Plate ProjectminorOthersCurated collection of artist-designed plates featuring works by KAWS, Takashi Murakami, Yoshitomo Nara, Maurizio Cattelan, Keith Haring, and Virgil Abloh.
• Ardmore DesignminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSouth African design company whose ceramic and design objects are featured in Cape Best's curated collection of collectibles.
• MonkeybizminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSouth African organization creating beaded animal figurines, featured in Cape Best's collection of unique African design objects.
• Carrol BoyesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSouth African designer known for distinctive tableware and home décor, whose products are sold through Cape Best.
• Andile DyalvaneminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSouth African ceramic artist whose unique ceramics are featured in Cape Best's design collection.
• Kanonkop Wine EstatecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPremier South African winery featured in Cape Best's portfolio. Ranked among the world's 50 best wineries by Drinks International. Produces Pinotage and other South African varietals.
• Boschendal Wine EstatecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHistoric South African wine estate offering Methode Cap Classique, Chardonnay, and other varietals featured in Cape Best's portfolio.
• Jordan Wine EstatecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorStellenbosch winery producing the Timepiece collection from old vines certified by Old Vine Project. Features Sauvignon Blanc from vineyards 500m from the ocean.
• Anthonij Rupert Wine EstateminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSouth African wine estate included in Cape Best's curated wine selection.
• BellinghamminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSouth African wine producer featured in Cape Best's portfolio, including the Homestead Shiraz.
• Perdeberg WinesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSouth African winery featured in Cape Best's collection, specializing in Chenin Blanc and other varietals.
• Saronsberg Wine EstateminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSouth African wine estate included in Cape Best's wine selection, known for Shiraz.
• Simonsig Wine EstateminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHistoric South African winery featured in Cape Best's portfolio, including the Redhill Pinotage.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Chairish: Online consignment marketplace for pre-owned and vintage furniture, décor, and art. Comparable curated resale model serving design enthusiasts with unique, story-rich home goods — the same target customer and use case as Cape Best's reclaimed frames.
• Tannico: Italy's leading online wine retailer, offering curated selections from boutique and international estates. Directly comparable on Cape Best's wine distribution model — DTC e-commerce of premium wines to Italian consumers with curated storytelling.
• 1stDibs: Online luxury marketplace for vintage and contemporary home décor, art, and jewelry from vetted dealers. Highly comparable curated DTC model targeting affluent design-conscious buyers, overlapping directly with Cape Best's reclaimed wood frames and collectibles assortment.
• Vinterior: European online marketplace specializing in vintage and mid-century furniture and home accessories. Comparable curated-vintage home décor model with cross-border shipping and an emphasis on one-of-a-kind pieces akin to Cape Best's reclaimed wood assortment.
• Catawiki: Online auction platform specializing in art, antiques, and collectibles curated by experts. Directly comparable on the collectibles side of Cape Best's business (limited-edition KAWS, Artist Plate Project pieces) with cross-border European reach.
• Cox & Cox: UK-based online home furnishings retailer offering curated, design-led home décor and accessories. Comparable DTC model targeting style-conscious consumers seeking distinctive pieces rather than mass-market furniture, similar to Cape Best's curatorial angle.
• Maisons du Monde: European multi-channel home décor retailer offering curated furniture and decorative accessories across styles. Closely comparable on assortment breadth, European DTC + showroom model, and target customer, though operating at much larger scale than Cape Best.
• Juniper: UK online homewares retailer offering curated, design-forward decorative objects and accessories. Similar boutique DTC positioning and assortment philosophy to Cape Best's design objects and collectibles line.

Broad incumbents

• West Elm: Large US-based specialty retailer of modern home furnishings and décor. Overlaps on home décor assortment and design-conscious target customer but operates at vastly larger scale, with a broader mainstream portfolio rather than a niche curation.
• Anthropologie: Multi-category lifestyle retailer with a strong home décor and curated-object assortment. Targets a similar design-aware, gift-buying customer but offers a much broader mass-premium assortment versus Cape Best's niche African provenance angle.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCYaEzHJNxkh5Ki3Zyq2APmw
• Facebookit-it.facebook.com/CapeBest
• Instagraminstagram.com/capebest/?hl=it
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/capebest

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cape Best