Hennessy our commitment cognac

OUR COMMITMENT

Transmission is the very essence of what we believe in. Crafting unparalleled cognacs is what we do. Who we are is altogether more detailed and diverse. Our commitments – to the land, to the people who make Hennessy exceptional, to you – are deep-rooted and engrained in our mission as a company. We craft the future.

OUR COMMITMENT

Human

We are our people

Hennessy human cognac

At Hennessy, people are the heart and soul of the Maison.

No achievement would be possible without the more than 1,000 people who contribute their talent at every level of Hennessy.

Longstanding relationships attest to our sense of social responsibility, and to a culture of openness and exchange that is nurtured constantly. We support and honor gender equality and diversity in the workplace, and we make every effort to encourage growth and advancement. As everyone at Hennessy knows, we are the guardians of a savoir-faire without which the Maison could not have achieved excellence year after year for more than two and a half centuries.

TERROIR

A pioneering commitment to sustainable viticulture

Leading every step of the way.

The exceptional character of our heritage gives us an important responsibility. The land has given us much. Giving back is vital. We practice and preach sustainable viticulture at every step of our product lifecycle. A pioneer in environmental management and protection, we are proud to uphold our official certification.

Hennessy terroir cognac

CIRCULAR ECONOMY

It's bigger than we are

What goes around comes around.

We have intentionally created a ‘virtuous circle’ around Charentais know-how. We proudly lead a sector that benefits more than 50,000 people in the region and makes this  area so dynamic. We are the direct employers of nearly 1,000 people, and we maintain exclusive collaborations with 1,600 winegrowers and 20 distillers in the region. 

Hennessy circular economy cognac

KEEPING OUR FOOTPRINT LOCAL AND LIGHT

Consciously staying within the community.

In terms of purchasing, we source close to half of our needs from local suppliers. 85% of our purchases are made in France. This is by design. We make use of local talent in industries like cooperage, glass works, packaging and logistics. The value of French excellence secures these jobs over the long term, another aspect of our commitment to sustainability.

Hennessy circular economy 2

WHY CIRCULARITY IS MORE SUSTAINABLE

The big (simple) idea: recycle resources.

Putting circular sustainability at the heart of Hennessy has led to initiatives on all production sites. These initiatives, like transforming our distilleries’ cooling system into a closed circuit, have allowed us to reduce water consumption by 90%. Recovery tanks collect and store rainwater to meet the vineyard’s needs. New packaging projects are subject to an environmental assessment. We recover byproducts and repurpose or recycle wherever possible. 

Hennessy circular economy 3

ANOTHER WAY TO RECYCLE: TRANSFORM

We give byproducts a new purpose. 

Hennessy waste is recycled on average at more than 96%* by material or energy recovery. We don’t just talk about limiting our environmental impact. For instance, distillation residues have been treated in Cognac since the 1970s, producing biogas. The green energy generated heats greenhouses in the region, and produces green electricity through cogeneration. 

Hennessy circular economy 3

RESPONSIBLE DRINKING

With moderation

Hennessy responsible drinking

We wholeheartedly support moderation

Hennessy is acutely aware of the individual and societal consequences of alcohol abuse. To that end, we have drawn up and signed a responsible consumption charter that all employees must be familiar with and follow scrupulously. We consider the consumption of our products responsible when intended for pleasure and in moderation, with constant care neither to lose self-control nor endanger the health or safety of oneself or others. In addition, we always promote moderate enjoyment of our cognacs, knowing it enables all to better appreciate their rarity and the know-how behind them.

Every employee is an ambassador

As employees of the Maison, we are all ambassadors of the brand and of the responsible consumption we encourage Hennessy connoisseurs to adopt. This is a cornerstone of all our communications. We have established clear guidelines for all messaging so that we always promote our philosophy that fine cognac is to be savored and sipped. We want all who enjoy Hennessy to learn more about what they are drinking. To experience the story, not just the spirit and, ultimately, to fill conversations and moments, not just glasses.

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

We take part

Hennessy social responsibility

Contributing time, expertise and unwavering support.

The Maison supports various causes and organizations through social inclusion, training, sponsoring and partnership programs. Regular contributions to local communities include, for example, mentoring and outreach programs for disadvantaged situation (100 opportunities, 100 jobs); contracts for partnerships and special needs sponsorships (L'Arche en Charente), as well as a cultural program that is open to the general public. Free programming at Les Quais Ici ou Ailleurs in Cognac, for example, offers access to exhibitions and other cultural events.

FOOD SAFETY

We are committed to excellence without compromise

Leading the way in product safety.

Hennessy adheres to strict French food safety regulations. However, we choose to go further with certification, extending our rigor to the 130 countries in which we are present. There are many provisions to this exacting protocol, including an exhaustive analysis of every one of our 147 steps of production. We have made a solemn commitment to product traceability and excellence, and we take it seriously.

Hennessy social responsibility