Hennessy Cognac Named World's Top-Performing Spirit Brand

NEW YORK, Sept. 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Hennessy, the world's best-selling Cognac, has just emerged as the number one performing global spirit for 2014, according to UK-based International Wine and Spirit Research group (IWSR). Hennessy, which has consistently posted growth for the last 50 months, has been recognized by the IWSR as a top 3 global brand since 2012. Earning the #1 spot on the annual list is especially exciting as the brand celebrates its milestone 250^th anniversary this year.

"We are truly honored to receive this tremendous accolade," says Rodney Williams, Executive Vice President, Spirits, Moet Hennessy USA. "This acknowledgment by the IWSR is validation of the long-term approach employed by Moet Hennessy and our trade partners to nurture and invest in a brand like Hennessy, which is arguably one of the greatest craft brands in the world."  

The IWSR's World Class Brands List is the definitive measure of how global powerhouse brands perform, ranking 142 brands on market volume, average price per case, and volume growth over the previous year.  In 2014, Hennessy outperformed all other major spirits brands globally, attributing its climb to the top, in part, to a growing millennial consumer base in the U.S.  Mr. Williams notes, "Hennessy's unique legacy - anchored in rich family heritage, craftsmanship and quality - truly speaks to today's millennial consumers. Maintaining the authenticity that this brand was built on has driven our success today and will continue to serve as inspiration for the future."

About Hennessy
In 2015, the Maison Hennessy celebrates 250 years of an exceptional adventure that has linked the Hennessy and Fillioux families for seven generations and spanned five continents. It began in the French region of Cognac, the seat from which the Maison has constantly passed down the best the land has to give, from one generation to the next. Such longevity is thanks to those people, past and present, who have ensured Hennessy's success both locally and around the world. Hennessy's success and longevity are also the result of the values the Maison has upheld since its creation: unique savoir-faire, a constant quest for innovation, and an unwavering commitment to Creation, Excellence, Legacy, and Sustainable Development. Today, these qualities are the hallmark of a Maison – a crown jewel in the LVMH Group – that crafts the most iconic, prestigious Cognacs.

Hennessy is imported and distributed in the U.S. by Moet Hennessy USA. Hennessy distills, ages and blends spanning a full range: Hennessy V.S, Hennessy Black, V.S.O.P Privilege, X.O, Paradis, Paradis Imperial and Richard Hennessy. For the most up to date information on the anniversary please visit http://www.Hennessy.com/us/250/.

About the IWSR
The IWSR's annual World Class Brands list provides the most comprehensive view of how big powerhouse brands in the spirits industry perform. To be considered, brands must have at least 20,000 cases to be sold in at least three different regions. For 2014, 142 brands qualified as international and were scored on their overall market volume, average price per case, and volume growth over the last year.  To proclaim the title of top brand of the year for 2014, Hennessy achieved an impressive overall market volume of 5.2m cases, an impressive average price per case of just under $800, and volume growth of 3%.  The IWSR is the leading provider of data on wine, spirits and RTDs. The IWSR's database, essential to the industry, is used by all of the largest multinational wine and spirits companies, as well as many more local companies. The IWSR has a unique methodology which, by tapping into local country expertise, allows us to get closer to what is actually consumed and better understand how markets work. The IWSR conducts face-to-face interviews with over 1,500 companies in 115 countries each year, with further input from 350 companies. The IWSR tracks overall consumption and trends at brand, quality and category level for wine, spirits and RTDs, and aims to provide data that is as accurate and detailed as possible.

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SOURCE Hennessy