Torula News January 1998

30/01/98	Talk of the industry: Courvoisier or Martell? Which one will be spin-off and to whom, if Allied Domecq and Seagram merge their spirits businesses?
29/01/98	Rémy Cointreau, parent of Rémy Martin, announces big loss for first half of 1997 and a major restructuring, including lay-offs, adding to woes of the Cognac industry. Forecasts a significant loss for a full year. A major US print ad campaign for Rémy Martin Extra is underway as is TV ad campaign for *Rémy Martin VSOP.*
28/01/98	Deutsche Morgan Grenfell forecast: 1 Euro = $1,07 ¥140 £0.73 on 1/1/99
23/01/98	New PdC push in the USA - contact Allen&Partners 1-908-561-4062 for details
21/01/98	Odys, Artys, Osé, Felixy join Alizé and others as new Cognac based aperitif drinks.
19/01/98	Cognac Tonic becomes an official aperitif at Elysee Palace in Paris, the residence of the French President Jacques Chirac.
15/01/98	Viking Bells from Cognac Larsen are introduced.
14/01/98	In the industry first, Cognac Paul Giraud places his Internet pages addresses on the back label of his Cognacs for the European markets.
11/01/98	Annie Ragnaud-Sabourin of Les Cognacs Ragnaud-Sabourin was awarded French Legion d'honneur.
06/01/98	Swedish newspaper Jönköping Posten has reported that a ship sunk in 1916 in the bay of Finland has been found by the Swedish divers. On board there are about 40,000 liters of Cognac. The ship is being lifted from 65 meter depth. The first 500 bottles of Champagne that were retrieved proved to be exceptional. Will Cognac be the same? How will it be disposed off in the land of spirits monopoly?
02/01/98	Rémy Cointreau to remain independent, says the spokesman... Distribution deal with Pernod Ricard is under discussion... (31/12/97)