If Cognac is synonymous with excellence, Cognac culture goes hand in hand with high standards.

The Cognac industry plays an important role in the local economy, which means it is responsible for developing the region and protecting the health of its inhabitants and clients. Within this context, all key industry players have got on board as part of the “Cognac Terroir d’Exigences” initiative.

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  • PRODUCING HIGH-QUALITY PRODUCTS THAT RESPECTthe environment...

    is a daily priority among Cognac stakeholders. Until now, their numerous initiatives have lacked visibility. The BNIC launched the “Référentiel de Viticulture Durable” scheme in 2016 to promote and streamline such initiatives.

The aim was to develop good practices to support winegrowers in their continual improvement plans and obtain collective environmental certification, in line with HEV 3 standards and industry requirements. Over two thousand winegrowers are part of the scheme so far, with the aim for all winegrowers to be committed by 2021, and 50% of vineyards to be HEV-certified by 2025.

But the appellation’s responsibilities do not stop at sustainable viticulture.

The industry’s ambition for excellence requires it to excel in other areas too.
The future of the Cognac industry lies in its ability to respond to emerging quality, health and societal industry challenges.

This project is essential, vast, and complex. The industry’s reputation, development and sustainability prospects rely on its determination to bring about change.

In 2018, the Cognac industry expanded its continuous improvement initiative to focus on environmental, social, and economic challenges.

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By working with key industry players, four key progress areas emerged.

Protecting the environment

Reducing the industry’s carbon footprint, preserving natural resources and adopting sustainable vineyard practices.

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Protecting health

Reducing the use of plant protection products, ensuring the health and safety of professionals and local inhabitants and promoting responsible alcohol consumption.

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Contributing to local development

Developing jobs and wine tourism that foster the spirit of innovation and solidarity at industry and regional levels.

Transmitting culture and heritage

Preserving and sharing expertise and promoting training programs with an emphasis on local culture.

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  • Actions still need to be taken to help the Cognac industry transform its objectives into concrete and sustainable results.

    That is why the industry decided to create an action plan that mobilises key players who wish to invest their energy, ideas, technical and human resources for the benefit of the terroir. Local inhabitants, elected officials, local authorities, consumer and environmental associations, start-ups, experts and journalists will be able to get on board via brainstorming activities and workshops.

An action plan based on excellence, realistic objectives and collective practices will be published in 2020.

If the Cognac industry has always placed an emphasis on producing a unique product, the focus now needs to be on preparing for a future based on openness and plurality