Launches/Events/Infos

Hennessy launched a new VSOP named 'Fine de Cognac' destined for a number of European markets. The product is described as being "floral, fruity, sensual and easy to drink" and the price range is deliberately attractive at less than 25€ (retail France). Majoritarily composed of "fins bois" and aged in barrels which have been partially leeched of their woody elements its light side should appeal to women and the priority distribution channel is supermarkets. The brand hopes to make inroads on whisky sales.

Communication

The 'Salon d'Agriculture' in Paris from the 23rd of February to the 3rd of March was the occasion for French presidential candidates to show their attachment to the rural world. President Chirac made a stop at the 'interprofessional' Cognac stand during an apéritif organised by the 'Association des 'Bouilleurs de Cru' and the 'Société des Agriculteurs' de France (SAF). The president described Cognac as one of the jewels in France's gastronomic crown and indicated that it had been served as an aperitif at the Elysée palace for a number of years now.I witnessed first hand the product knowledge programme presented by the 'bouilleurs de cru' who were backed up by a group of young producers (JAAC) and members of the private cellar's organisation (Caves Particulières) and their President Paul Giraud. During the week Martell, Hennessy and Rémy Martin also added their contribution. This kind of concerted action, on a stand co-ordinated by the BNIC, earns our whole-hearted approval. (Photo: J. Chirac with Jean-Luc Lassoudière, "bouilleur de cru", at the Agricultural Fair) .

Awards

The traditional 'Concours Général Agricole' took place during the fair and 23 Cognacs were judged in two categories. Medal winners were:

• VSOP – Gold; Cognac Paul Beau, Cognac Brard Blanchard; Silver ; Cognac Henri Geffard, Cognac Monnet; Bronze; Domaine Roy
• XO – Gold; Cognac Jacques Estève; Silver; Cognac Monnet
  For the complete list of medals for this competition and notably those for Cognac, Pineau des Charentes and Vins de Pays charentais you can access www.concours-agricole.com

Market Trends

Pernod-Ricard published its results for 2001 with turnover of 4,5 billion € and growth of 8,3% for the wines & spirits branch. Results for Martell are not included in these figures as the date of acquisition is recent but the group has reaffirmed its ambitions for the brand and its Cognac pole. Martell commercialised 1,2 million cases in 2001.

Farewell

Rémy Martin refused to make any official commentary as one of his fundamental characteristics was his self effacement. André Hériard Dubreuil, at the head of Rémy Martin during the major part of the late 20th century passed away in February, aged 84. He played a leading role in the company's development during this period. Despite an outstanding career he will leave behind the memory of a man who did not look for the spotlight and whose voice was always calm and level, he was genuinely admired and respected by his employees. During the past decade he progressively left control of the company and also that of Rémy Cointreau to his children and notably his daughter Dominique, currently President of both companies.