BNIC approves 2005-2006 QNV
13 juillet 2005
The BNIC cognac trade organization has unanimously approved a 2005-2006 QNV figure (amount normally produced) of 8.3 hl of pure alcohol per hectare (7.6 in 2004). The BNIC has also given the go-ahead for XO to be linked to "compte 10" from 2016.

Cognac SMEs call upon banks
13 juillet 2005
The cognac SME brokers’ union (20% of the cognac trade) has called for support from the banks to help increase production and the transfer of XO to "compte 10" (i.e. minimum age 10+).

Cognac museum
13 juillet 2005
One year after its inauguration, the cognac museum has welcomed 15,000 visitors. It had hoped to attract 40,000 to 50,000 in a year.

Wine and AOC : 75,000 producers affected
13 juillet 2005
The AOC guaranteed origin label concerns 46% of wine production and 75,000 vineyards. There are 468 appellations in the sector. In 2003, AOC wines had a turnover of 13.6 billion euros with 1.6 billion euros for eaux-de-vie. AOCs represent 483,687 hectares, some 57% of the total area.

Lafragette restructures
13 juillet 2005
In Cognac, Jean-Paul Lafragette (L & L, production of beers and cocktails) is reorganizing his structures following the acquisition of A. de Fussigny. He has created a company called Maison Lafragette (wines), L & L deals solely with the cocktail AlizŽ and he is developing the distribution of A. de Fussigny cognac in restaurants in Asia and the US. In another move, L & L is launching two new beers in addition to XO Beer (500,000 euros invested).

Rémy-Cointreau strengthens its position
5 juillet 2005
Rémy-Cointreau and the Polish company Takirra have each taken a 10% stake in the capital of the American group CEDC in exchange for a jointly held Polish company. This operation enables Cointreau to strengthen its distribution network by joining up with the American network.

Centre des eaux-de-vie
5 juillet 2005
With a budget of 117,000 euros, the spirits center in Segonzac is developing with some 450 bottles in its « spirithèque » (spirits gallery). It publishes newsletters on Internet and contributes to the EuroSpirit review which was launched during Vinexpo in Bordeaux.

Hennessy : agreement on profit-sharing
5 juillet 2005
At Hennessy, the CFDT and CGC labor unions have accepted management proposals regarding profit-sharing. It will be worth 4% of the total wage bill in 2005, 4.8% in 2006 and 5.5% in 2007.

Young farmers promoting cognac
5 juillet 2005
Christophe Monnet is the new president of the AJAAC association. His objectives include : developing the closer links between the association and the distillers’ association. In addition, the 8th cognac festival takes place on the quays from 14 to 17 July. On the program : concerts (Louis Chédid, Sinclair) and events associated with cognac (tastings). Last year, 1,000 bottles of cognac were drunk during the festival.

Pernod / Allied : final go-ahead
5 juillet 2005
Following the decision of Constellation Brands not to make a counter offer, the approval of the European and American competition authorities, and the approval by shareholders of Pernod-Ricard (Martell cognac) to increase its capital by 2 billion, the sale of Allied Domecq to Pernod Ricard cleared another hurdle on 4 July when 99.8% of Allied Domecq shareholders voted in favor at their GM. The takeover is due to become effective on 26 July.