No surprises that these different consumer countries took a significant part in the building of what is today. These foreigners have influenced cognac and in some instances led cognac. So many brands have English or Irish origins Martell, Remy Martin, Hennessy, Courvoisier, Delamain, Hardy, Meukow, ...
Dutch have significantly influenced from a business practice in reference to 'brandy' ---> from the Dutch word brandewijn (burnt wine).
It was expected and it is natural that Chinese are interested in investing in Cognac, as cognac needs it - remember 99%is exported. France is a welcoming country but one foreigner has to follow the rules, values and culture and not try to change them to his/her own.
This week breaking news is certainly the announcement of the first Chinese investor CARTAK MATINI INTERNATIONAL LIMITED acquiring Cognac Menuet. Menuet was not too long ago still in Saint-Meme les Carrieres in Grande Champagne near Segonzac. Originally started in 1850, the Menuet business had reduced from a full business with vineyard and else to a BP address and less than 20,000 bottles/year sales.
It will take sometime for everyone to get used to the change of order but life is such than adapting is necessary for survival.
It is interesting to me that the first Chinese company coming in Cognac region be from Hong Kong. Perhaps this makes sense, next should be Singapore, then Taiwan and followed by mainland Chinese investors ... well this is an assumption!
Cognac-Expert.com which uncovered this news first makes a good point in their blog by discussing the annual growth of sales for mature cognacs due to Asian consumptions of XO qualities, and the limited supplies that only time can replenish. Will Chinese and Asian people be patient?
Sources: Charente Libre and www.cognac-menuet.com and cognac-expert.com
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