By Andrew McLaren, Managing Director – Moët Hennessy Australia & New Zealand
It’s hard to believe how quickly 2016 accelerated up the back straight leaving a very exciting, rewarding and, at times, challenging 2015 in the rear vision mirror. As is so often the case, we charge into the new year with a combination of festive, season adrenalin and ambition for the year ahead. Before we tackle what’s ahead of us, I would like to begin by thanking all of our trade partners and your teams for a mutually successful 2015, where we once again proved Australia is one of the most dynamic markets in the world for luxury wines and spirits.
Simply put, our success would not be possible without you and for this, the entire team at Moët Hennessy Australia is extremely grateful. Nothing is easily won in today’s day and age, and it is through our mutually supportive and ambitious partnerships that collectively we enrich moments in our consumers’ lives.
Australia continues to ride the wave of premiumisation in the wines and spirits market, and Moët Hennessy’s portfolio of brands is well positioned to continue to support this trend by further enhancing the desirability of our brands in the market. We know our consumers never sit still, our challenge is to continue to be ahead of the game in bringing innovation to market through the creativity and craftsmanship that is inherent in each and every one of our brands.
In 2016, we will focus on the need to know our customer and consumer better than ever before and to deliver solutions that continue to deliver results. We aim to engage consumers, be it in a retail store, restaurant, bar or online – this is critically important.
Moët & Chandon remains the clear market leader in Champagne, both in consumer awareness and reach. We intend to build our leadership position further by continuing to develop value in this critically important and exciting category. Veuve Clicquot will continue to inspire with its audacious creativity. Both Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot will be supported by arguably the world’s finest prestige brands in Champagne – Dom Perignon, Krug and Ruinart – all of which many Australian’s have a growing appetite for.
Our sparkling wine portfolio encompasses two iconic brands, including Chandon – Australia’s number one super premium bubbles – which is embarking on its most exciting global partnership ever with the McLaren-Honda F1 team. Our other sparkling jewel is Cloudy Bay Pelorus from Marlborough whose pedigree is unquestionable.
One element of our portfolio that is seeing unprecedented demand is our spirits portfolio. Globally, Hennessy holds a commanding leadership position in the Cognac category and this is further magnified in Australia. Belvedere continues to excite in the luxury vodka category and, last but not least, the fast growing single malt whisky category, which Glenmorangie and Ardbeg are shining brighter than ever within.
Still wines continue to be an important part of our portfolio, with Cloudy Bay and Cape Mentelle delivering the pinnacle of quality from their respective regions in Marlborough, New Zealand and Margaret River. We also offer some treasures from other parts of the world, which are growing in popularity.
Our ambition for 2016 is clear, we seek “To enrich moments”. It is our company vision and everyone in our business is committed to striving for this. We look forward to partnering with you in the coming year so consumers may have rich experiences whenever and wherever they touch our brands.
Best wishes for the year ahead.
Moët Hennessy Australia Pty Ltd.
Level 7, 201 Coward Street,
Mascot, NSW 2020
Tel: 02 8344 9900
Fax: 02 8344 9999
Web: www.lvmh.com
Email: [email protected]
