LVMH Chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault opened Hennessy Cognac’s 26,000sq m Pont Neuf state-of-the-art logistics and bottling complex this week, combining cutting-edge technology, green building standards and ‘artisanal tradition’.

The new multi-million euro complex took two years to build and now epitomises the emphasis that the group now places on combining both new and traditional technologies throughout the company, from the wines and spirits business through to its fashion, watches, certain DFS’ downtown premises and other businesses.

EMPLOYEES HELPED TO DESIGN THE NEW COMPLEX

The Pont Neuf facility was unveiled by Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH, in the presence of Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, the Secretary of State to the Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, Philippe Schaus, the newly-appointed CEO of Moët Hennessy and Bernard Peillon, President of Maison Hennessy.

LVMH says the new facility is also designed to provide its employees – who ‘played an active role in the design’ – with an exemplary working environment, following its conception back in 2015 – the 250th anniversary year of the Maison’s existence.

The Pont Neuf facility was unveiled by Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH (centre), Philippe Schaus, CEO of Moët Hennessy  (left of Arnault), and Bernard Peillon, President of Hennessy (centre, right).

Commenting on the new complex, Arnault said: “This latest investment reflects the long-term vision that guides Hennessy and the entire LVMH Group.

THE ‘VIRTUOUS CIRCLE..’

“By making long-term investments in artisanal savoir-faire and in the appeal of our products around the world, we enable our Maisons to grow and develop employment in France, in the regions where they were founded.

“This virtuous circle both enhances France’s international attractiveness and supports local economic development, a strategy we intend to pursue.”

Besides increasing Hennessy’s production capacity, LVMH says the new facility will also coordinate easily with the nearby Vignerie site, while also securing production and logistics flows. It will also enable Hennessy to increase its output to around eight million cases a year by 2018.

[Hennessy Cognac/Armagnac is the leading producer within its spirits category and ‘the sixth most important spirits brand’ in the entire international duty free and travel retail business, selling around 630,000 nine-litre equivalent cases in 2016, according to industry analysts IWSR-Ed].

LVMH is very proud of its new multi-million euro Pont Neuf Hennessy complex.

GLOBAL BRAND LEADER

Hennessy is currently the leading brand by volume in Cognac with a presence in 130 countries, exporting more than 99% of its production.

The company added: “The 30-hectare (74 acres) worksite met all the stringent requirements set by Certivea, earning it HQE high environmental quality certification. The facility is seamlessly integrated in the landscape and provides a superb, innovative working environment for staff, thanks to the choice of materials, acoustic insulation, air quality, natural daylight, ergonomics and building safety.”

Hennessy President Bernard Peillon commented: “Pont Neuf is much more than a strategic facility, it represents our vision and embodies the ‘Hennessy Spirit’.

“This new investment further extends the chain of excellence that begins with our 1,600 wine grower partners and continues with entire Hennessy community to deliver the cognacs in which we all take great pride.”