We are glad to welcome Simon PALMER, long time friend of Le Cognac and Director of the International University of spirits and eaux-de-vie from 1989 to 2000. We are sure that our readers will follow with great interest his fine anylysis. Here is his first column: Thanks Simon!

Vinexpo 2001 Launches/Events Awards Communication Viticulture Internet Figures Cognac Foundation

VINEXPO 2001 Approximately 150 Cognac brands were present at this internationally recognised trade fair which ran in Bordeaux from June 17 to 21, this in addition to over 70 brands of Pineau des Charentes. According to a report by "Terres de Cognac" the majority of stand-holders were satisfied by the contacts made during the fair. Launches/Events Rémy-Martin launched an original cylinder presentation baptised Rémy Space which can be won on www.remy.com and also a new XO blend dubbed "Excellence". Among the turn of the century products Hennessy offer 2000 carafes of "Timeless" blended from 11 Cognacs ranging in age from 1900 to 1990. Frapin created a new presentation for its prestigious "Rabelais" Camus, Meukow and the Distillerie des Moisans have all launched Cognac based cocktail mixes, the latter has also bottled new Cognacs bearing "grand cru" and "premier grand cru" on the labels. On the producers' side Cognac Menuet have come out with a "single barrel" 10 year old. Following a serious facelift to the facade giving over the Charente river Courvoisier inaugurated a new visitors' circuit for summer 2001. Awards Château de Beaulon's 1976 vintage Cognac won both a « grande médaille d'or » at the Brussell's Spirit Awards in April and also a « trophée d'or » in the wine Olympiads held during Vinexpo. In Brussell's the following products also won gold medals: Famille Esteve Pineau des Charentes Vieux, J. Dupont XO Royal Fine Champagne, Cognac Leyrat Napoléon. Communication The new collective advertising campaign financed by the 'interprofession' was presented to the industry and to the press in July. With its slogan « Quel Cognac Êtes Vous ? » (which Cognac are you) it continues efforts to modernise the image of Cognac and open it to varied consumption styles and occasions. Made up of three visuals it is intended for the French market. Sadly to this point figures have yet to confirm a positive consumer reaction. A notable presence at DDH, the Bordeaux based agency behind the new campaign, was Laurent Berriat, formerly with Linéa in Angoulême, one of the sector's best known agencies. Viticulture "Le Syndicat Général des Vignerons" (Grape-growers Union) continues efforts to federate the profession and with Philippe Boujut at its head has reached 1000 members. Vineyard affairs are particularly complex in the Charentes and the divergent viewpoints between growers and merchants as to production rules for 2001 are witness to that. The Ministry of Agriculture is to take a decision in the next fortnight. Efforts to re-structure the vineyard have been a failure thus far with only a limited number of hectares enrolled in the plan. Internet The founder of www.swfrance.com Mr Mac Andrew passed away mid-July. Figures According to B.N.I.C. ( Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac) statistics, sales of Cognac rose by 3% in volume in the year 2000 and by 10% in value. Respective figures were 387 955 hectolitres pure alcohol and 8,900 millionFF. The V.S. (Very Special/***) category made up 57% of total bottle sales with North-America remaining the biggest market. Asia showed some encouraging signs of a resurgence. Quotas restricting distillation volumes have helped balance the stock situation but a worrying surplus still exists in older spirit which the current trend to V.S. does not require. Cognac Foundation Headed by the SAF club du Cognaçais ( member club of the "Société des Agriculteurs de France") an association has been created to pilot establishing the future foundation. A wide range of local personalities are involved and the aim is to federate and encourage initiatives based on highlighting patrimonial aspects of the industry. The Cognac club was responsable for instigating the Cognac/Patrimony weekend in 1996. Our previous news Around the world with Cognac Amateurs More news I wish to subscribe to Cognac Alert. Professionals : Receive targeted information related to Cognac trade and markets.