Wine merchants gather for annual meeting to discuss challenges and opportunities
Last weekend, the Independent Wine Merchants Federation (FCI) hosted its annual general meeting (AGM) between Limoux and Corbières, attracting a gathering of members who engaged in both reflection and convivial discourse regarding the wine sector. The event was attended by the FCI President Cyril Coniglio, a distinguished wine merchant from Rhône Magnum and holder of the title of Best Wine Merchant in France for 2018. Terre de Vins was present to gather insights from the meeting.
The AGM took place over Sunday and Monday at a cinema in Limoux, providing a platform for members to discuss the complexities faced within the commercial sphere of the wine industry over the preceding year. Coniglio noted that collective dialogue among members was crucial, stating, “the sector needs us all to come together, to exchange views on a year that has been complicated commercially, but with good news and solutions to share.”
One of the highlights of the meeting was the introduction of new partners for the FCI, which included champagne de Venoge, South World Wines focusing on international wines, and Villevert representing the spirits sector. These partnerships are expected to bolster the FCI's financial capacity, particularly in areas such as communication and reducing membership fees for its members. Coniglio elaborated on the benefits, saying that partners have provided offers with “specially studied rates” regarding pricing, payment conditions, and shipping, as well as lower thresholds for free shipping.
Significantly, the AGM introduced Artisans Partisans as the FCI's new logistics and management partner for its distribution platform Vin.CI, dedicated to serving independent wine merchants. This further exemplifies the FCI’s aim to support its members with improved business opportunities.
As part of the meeting’s agenda, new board members and office bearers were elected, with Coniglio retaining his presidency for another term amidst minimal changes in the existing board. Reflecting on the achievements of the preceding three years, Coniglio noted the successful development of the Master Wine Merchant title. “It is one of the avenues we plan to accelerate further,” he stated, emphasising a desire to make the profession more appealing while attracting younger members to join the FCI. This initiative includes hosting webinars aimed at providing guidance on various challenging aspects of the business, such as social media engagement and staff recruitment.
One of the standout moments was the induction of the 10th class of Masters Wine Merchants. With a total of eleven merchants receiving the coveted title this year, including Laëtitia Coniglio, sister of the president, there is evidently significant pride amongst recipients. “Some have even gone beyond the recognition that comes with receiving the title, talking about a sense of duty,” Coniglio remarked, indicating the importance of this accolade within the profession.
As the FCI looks to enhance the visibility and recognition of the Master Wine Merchant title, plans for increased communication and promotional activities are underway. This aims to foster recognition not just from the public, but also from other stakeholders in the industry, including suppliers and wine merchants.
The assembled group stood witness to the unveiling of this new class of Masters Wine Merchants, which included:
- Yann Cognard, Au gré du vin, Dreux
- Laëtitia Coniglio, Rhône Magnum, Bourg-lès-Valence
- Quentin Delavaud, Vins sur vins, La-Chapelle-sur-Erdre
- Gilbert Guichard, La cave du sommelier, Saint-Paul
- Cédric Harbois, Les Domaines, Nancy
- Frédéric Lafont, Boutique Yves Legrand, Issy-les-Moulineaux
- Olivier Leseul, Cep et malt, Chelles
- Emmanuel Maire, Le comptoir du millésime, Vendenheim
- Olivier Marotte, De la vigne à l’olivier, Lambesc
- Laurent Mercier, La cave Laurent, Pont-Saint-Martin
The FCI's AGM demonstrates the federation's commitment to unity and collaboration within the independent wine merchant community, while concurrently addressing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the evolving market landscape.