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French spirits group Rémy Cointreau has created a new Prestige Division aimed at accelerating the global development of its high-end wine and spirits portfolio.

The new unit will be led by industry veteran Ludovic du Plessis, who will also join the group’s executive committee.

The division will oversee the international growth, brand strategy and awareness of the company’s most exclusive maisons: Louis XIII Cognac, Champagne Telmont and Maison Psyché.

According to the company, the move reflects a strategic push to strengthen its position in the ultra-premium and luxury segment of the wine and spirits market.

Group CEO Franck Marilly said: “This division has to be at the forefront of luxury trends and aims to drive new business opportunities with boldness and the highest standards of luxury knowledge."

Du Plessis has been with the group since 2014, when he joined as executive director of Louis XIII Cognac, one of the company’s flagship luxury brands.

In 2020 he was appointed president of Champagne Telmont, where he spearheaded the house’s sustainability-focused strategy known as “In the Name of Mother Nature”.

The initiative positioned Telmont as a major player in environmentally conscious champagne production and drew attention from sustainability-focused consumers and industry stakeholders.

Marilly said: “I am convinced the experience and vision of Ludovic, nourished by more than 25 years of expertise in the luxury wines and spirits industry, will be key assets to achieve this ambition.”

By grouping Louis XIII Cognac, Champagne Telmont and Maison Psyché under a dedicated leadership structure, the company aims to capture emerging opportunities within the premiumisation trend that continues to shape the beverage alcohol sector.