A WORD
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
It is with great pride that we end this year. In a buoyant high-end spirits market, the uniqueness of our brand portfolio, the quality of our execution, and the creativity and commitment of our teams have enabled the Group to deliver historic results in 2018/2019 across all areas: sales, operating margin and profits.
It has taken some time to get to this point, but we are confident in remaining here in the future, despite the changing environment with which we are faced. Our performance allows us to look to the future without fear.
Our brands have taken their time to mature, to thrive and craft these exceptional spirits that win over our clients and which will continue to attract new generations. They are the wealth on which we can capitalise as we pave the way forward, harnessing the momentum provided by digital technology to accelerate the pace. And I am even prouder to say that our results have been achieved by respecting our CSR commitments, which are at the heart of our strategic ambition. It is more important than ever that our CSR policy is an active part of the Group’s value creation, while continuing to build on its annual commitment to the Global Compact.
A key point of our strategic CSR vision, is our environmental commitment to responsible and sustainable winemaking that respects our terroirs. All our brands have their roots in the earth. The attachment that they have to their terroirs helps to build awareness of the importance of preserving resources.
Accordingly, in Cognac, 94% of the vineyards supplying the House of Rémy Martin are committed to this approach and 42% are now High Environmental Value (HVE) certified. On the isle of Islay, our Bruichladdich distillery has been certified “Biodynamic” by the European Union, just like that of Domaine des Hautes Glaces in the French Alps. And at Cointreau, a certification process for oranges has been initiated with our suppliers. Our ambition is clear: over the next five years, 100% of the land used to grow our ingredients and produce our eaux-de-vie will be managed responsibly and sustainably. This commitment is essential for preserving our brands over the centuries.
The age-old reasoning of the Group’s brands considers the long term. The Group’s Houses have survived the test of time, and always with the same preoccupation: transmitting everything they can to ensure the future.
Time is our challenge but it is also our ally in assisting our ambition: to be the leader in exceptional spirits.
