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The Comité Champagne
The organisational structure of the Comité Champagne was established by the Law of 12 April 1941.
Le commissaire du gouvernement représente les pouvoirs publics. Il assiste aux délibérations du Bureau exécutif et approuve les mesures prises par l’interprofession. Depuis un arrêté du 11 mars 1986, le Préfet de la région Champagne-Ardenne assume cette fonction.
Union of Champagne Houses
President of the Champagne houses
David Chatillon
Champagne Growers Union
President of the Champagne growers
M. Maxime Toubart
The President of the Champagne Houses and the President of the Champagne growers are the two key figures in the Comité Champagne. They are empowered to act on its behalf, make decisions, chair meetings and act as the Comité’s appointed representatives on all matters.
Union of Champagne Houses
6
Champagne houses
Champagne Growers Union
6
Champagne growers
The Executive board is the decision-making arm of the Comité Champagne. It consists of 12 members, six representing the Champagne Houses and six representing the growers (including their respective Presidents). The board meets as often as may be required to consider issues relevant to the different stakeholder groups. All decisions, even the smallest, are taken by general consensus.
Union of Champagne Houses
13
Champagne houses
Champagne Growers Union
13
Champagne growers
3 Brokers’ Guild representatives
The Executive Board oversees the SPECIALIST COMMITTEES in charge of the different activities of the Comité Champagne. Specialist committees are a combination of growers and Champagne House representatives, selected by their respective unions on the basis of relevant expertise.
The Comité Champagne employs around 100 permanent staff to implement Specialist Committee policies and provide research and other services.
The Vineyard Installation Committee considers applications for subsidies for the rational, environmental management of vineyards, with particular reference to: building/renovation of service roads; hydraulic resource management; stockpiling and storage of grape-press residue; installation of wash bays for spray-cleaning equipment; green landscaping. It helps the Champagne Committee reflect on ways to embellish the vineyards.
The Post-Production Quality Control Committee runs the Champagne wine-quality observatory. It schedules the collection of wine samples in both France and abroad, and monitors the results of sensory testing. It identifies wines that fail to meet the required quality, notifies the producers concerned of any anomalies identified and takes the necessary steps to correct shortfalls in quality.
The Technical and Environmental Committee assigns priorities in relation to the sector’s vines, wines and the environment and considers technical solutions designed to meet these challenges within a framework of promoting sustainable development and improving quality. It is supported by the Champagne Committee, along with a network of technical research and development partner institutions operating within the industry.
This Committee safeguards Champagne’s economic performance. It seeks to promote harmonious business development through value-adding strategies that benefit both sides of the partnership equally (growers and Champagne Houses). It assists the Executive Board in implementing and monitoring decisions relating to the industry’s internal operating practices (authentication and traceability, professionalisation of champagne stakeholders, monitoring of current sales etc.).
This Committee develops a strategy designed to raise the profile and desirability of the Champagne appellation, both in France and throughout the world, based on relevant studies and focused on priority markets. It is supported by hospitality and reception services, along with communication tools, in particular digital and training programmes, both in France and abroad, and evaluates their relevance, effectiveness and efficiency. It sets guidelines for the Champagne Bureaux around the world and evaluates their outcomes in the context of its business areas. It determines the Champagne Committee's positions with regard to wine tourism
The Appellation Protection Committee steers policy on legal recognition, access to markets and protection of the appellation both in France and abroad. It sets guidelines for the Champagne Bureaux around the world and evaluates their outcomes in the context of its business areas. If required by the Permanent Committee, it can perform a cost/benefit analysis of any judicial appeals proposed by the Champagne Committee's managing director.
It may also be called upon by the Permanent Committee to express an opinion on issues arising from appellation law (trade association decisions etc.).
Interprofession
Champagne houses
Interprofession
Champagne Growers