Martell launches AI-powered bartender

Pernod Ricard-owned Cognac house Martell has launched an AI-powered ‘virtual bartender’, claiming to be the first brand in the category to do so.

Pernod Ricard sees H1 sales slump amid challenging market

French drinks heavyweight Pernod Ricard saw a 5.9% decline in organic sales to €5.25bn in the first half of its financial year. Declines were most concerning in the US and Chinese markets, falling 15% and 28%, respectively.

Tariffs: $25bn impact on US wine while France seeks spirits exemption

Recent analysis from Unione Italiana Vini (UIV), drawing from research by WineAmerica, has revealed that the recently announced 15% tariff on European wine imports will cost the US upwards of $25bn.

Hallgarten continues portfolio expansion with first cognac

The importer Hallgarten & Novum Wines has continued its portfolio expansion apace with the addition of Cognac producer Frapin.

Cognac sales slump for Moët Hennessey in Q1

Data released from parent company LVMH shows that its wine and spirits division Moët Hennessey has seen a year on year drop in revenue when comparing to Q1 2025 to Q1 2024, driven by a poor performance for its cognac and spirits brands. The luxury goods giant believes this revenue fall is partly due to the ongoing ripple effects of tariff uncertainty.

Five awarded 2024 Alexa Camus Golden Vines Spirits Scholarships

Camus Cognac, Liquid Icons and the Gérard Basset Foundation have announced the recipients of the 2024 Alexa Camus Golden Vines Scholarships in spirits. 

Campari completes $1.2bn acquisition of Courvoisier

Campari Group has finalised the acquisition of Beam Holding France, the owner of Courvoisier Cognac House, in a deal valued at $1.17bn. This transaction, the largest in Campari's history, marks a significant milestone for the group, signalling its commitment to expansion in the spirits industry.

China launches anti-dumping investigation into brandy

China has launched an anti-dumping investigation into brandy imported from the European Union, chiefly France.

Campari steps into ‘super premium’ cognac category

Campari Group is set acquire Courvoisier from Beam Suntory, adding what the company describes as a “fourth major leg” to its spirits portfolio.

Burnt Faith buddies with Proof Drinks for brandy drive

Burnt Faith has joined forces with premium drinks specialists, Proof Drinks, in a move which is hoped will drive interest in British brandy houses across the UK.

Delamain announces key management changes

Delamain, the last family-run house in Cognac, has announced multiple changes to its management ahead of its bicentenary celebration (1824-2024).

Courvoisier announces new brand ambassador, Beckie Sullivan

Hennessy Partners with Golden Vines for diversity scholarship

Hennessy, the leading Cognac Maison and the premium spirits brand leader (#1 in value worldwide in 2021), is proud to support the newly introduced Hennessy Golden Vines Diversity Scholarship in Spirits in partnership with the Gérard Basset Foundation and Liquid Icons.

Courvoisier unveils bottle redesign

Cognac house Courvoisier has embraced a striking new look for its range of spirits – a sleek, paired-back bottle design that “rediscovers distinctive codes from centuries past that made Courvoisier iconic during the Belle Époque era”.

Over 100 vinous gems take centre stage at inaugural Sud De France tasting

Over 100 wines, including Armagnac, from the southern French Region of Occitanie, will be showcased at a wine tasting in London this month, focusing in the region's litte-known wines. 

Hermitage launches new spirits and liqueur agency

Hermitage, the premium Cognac importer and bottler, has launched Bunch & Bushel bunchandbushel.com, a trade arm bringing a wider range of spirits to the market.

Cognac raises its game

As a younger generation of drinkers becomes increasingly interested in what Cognac has to offer, Lisa Riley looks at the innovation and diversity at work within the category.

US tariffs boost trade in old Cognac

US tariffs on wine and whisky are driving the market in Cognac, a leading UK supplier has revealed.

Major redesign for BNIC website

The BNIC has redesigned and expanded its cognac.fr website.

US sales drive Cognac to fifth year of export growth

Cognac has reported export growth for the fifth year in a row. Shipments were up 6.9% in value and 2.5% in volume for the year ending 31 July 2019, the region’s governing body has revealed.