The leading wine and spirits associations in France have decided to join forces under a single banner. The Fédération des Exportateurs de Vins & Spiritueux (FEVS), the Fédération Française des Vins d'Apéritif (FFVA), the Fédération Française des Spiritueux (FFS), and the Union des Maisons et Marques de Vin (UMVIN) have announced the creation of the Maison des Vins & Spiritueux (MVS). Its director is Jean-Pierre Cointreau, who served as president of the FFS from 2020 to 2024 and is also the president of the family-owned Iconic-Nectars Group (Renaud Cointreau), which includes Cognac Frapin and Champagne Gosset, among others.
"In the face of contemporary challenges such as taxation, responsible consumption, the environment, and international trade, the sector's players recognize the urgent need for such a collective voice," states the MVS press release. Gabriel Picard, president of FEVS, elaborated: "The current geopolitical context is increasing trade barriers for our products in many countries. This shared 'house' strengthens our voice in France, Brussels, and the world to position our wines and spirits internationally." Michel Chapoutier, president of UMVIN, commented: "Joining forces is an absolute necessity to jointly devise and implement a successful strategy from vine to glass."
According to the MVS, the new organization comprises more than 1,000 members, representing nearly 85% of the wines and spirits produced in France, with a turnover of €32bn. It also represents no fewer than 600,000 direct and indirect jobs. The MVS will make its first public appearance from February 10th to 12th in the Lounge (Hall 4) at Wine Paris. SP