Category: News

Storms hit Charente again

Once again the weather has played a major role in the Charente. A big storm has blown up over the region and caused substantial damage to the vines, in some cases stripping them of all their leaves. Fortunately, much of the Grande Champagne region has been spared with just the extreme western side affected. Some vineyards have lost 100% of this year’s harvest whilst others have only lost 10%. It seems that there was a safe corridor from north to south where little damage was done but producers are already counting the cost of the storm.

One of the effects of bad weather is a reduction in supply which ultimately creates an increase in price. The slow down in sales to the Far East has reduced the pressure on prices so far this year and so, with the holiday period approaching, the weather is unlikely to have a major effect now.  However, some reports of price increases have been received so we’ll keep our fingers crossed!

This month we are offering a 5% Discount Code for use on our Website to anyone who Likes our Facebook page or Follows us on Linked In.

All you have to do is ‘Like’ us or ‘Follow’ us, the links are on the Home Page, and then e mail us at cognac@brandyclassics.com to let us know.  We will then send you a unique Promotion Code to use on our website by 30 June 2014. 

New figures from the WSTA show that pubs are becoming increasingly reliant on wine and spirit sales which are being served in equal measure with beer in newly opened gastro pubs, restaurants and bars. Forecasts from CGA Strategy show that wine and spirit sales in the on trade are on the up and by 2018 spirits sales will have increased from 22% to 24%.  This must be a welcome trend for pubs and hotels as this sector of the market provides considerably greater profitability.  The mark up on spirits, in particular, is one which hotels are beginning to recognise.  Cognacs of exceptional quality, such as Hermitage, provide the customer with a high level of choice and individuality for which they are prepared to pay.  Our own on trade customers have seen that adding Hermitage Cognacs to their range can be extremely rewarding.

The news of a slowdown in cognac sales in the valuable Chinese markets has originated mainly from the big houses.  More than any other they have seen a substantial slowdown in the sales of younger spirits which have, in many ways, been over exploited with fancy and attractive presentations.  After all, there is a limit to what you can say about a VSOP regardless of how it is packaged and the Chinese seem to have seen it all. It would appear to the smaller, but higher quality firms, that there is VSOP fatigue and XO malaise hanging over the Charente, and they are unable to provide an explanation.  Perhaps the political situation in France has, in a way, had an impact on people’s thinking.  The effect of the weakening economy, coupled with a hot and very damp spring bringing a threat of rot and mould on the vines, is enough for any Frenchman to throw up his arms in despair!  Don’t be put off though, some of our XO cognacs still give great value for money.