During the general assembly of the Burgundy wine inter-profession committee, on December 15, Laurent Delaunay, who originated from a trading family, succeeded François Labet by becoming President of the BIVB for the next two years.
Laurent Delaunay honored his predecessors, Pierre-Henry Gagey, Frédéric Drouhin and Louis-Fabrice Latour, highlighting their influence on his commitment to the sector. A solemn moment followed, with a minute of silence in tribute to Pau Roca, Director of the OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine) who recently passed away. Laurent Delaunay praised his major role in establishing the OIV headquarters in Dijon and in organising its congress in October 2024, also in Dijon. This event will be an opportunity to celebrate the centenary of the international institution.
“Our inter-profession is a complex world: it brings together many skills and is made up of great professionals who are at our service. It is also in interaction with an entire environment and numerous interlocutors (at the local, regional, national and international levels),” says Laurent Delaunay.
The President spoke of his new missions and priorities, highlighting the “Climate Objective” plan at the heart of his roadmap. He underlined the need to involve all players in the sector in this objective of carbon neutrality, offering exchange platforms and conference debates in the vineyard to promote the ecological transition. He also underlined the need to include numerous partners in the sector (coopers, manufacturers and distributors of viticultural equipment, manufacturers of dry materials, etc.). According to the new president:“We will not be able to succeed in our carbon plan without involving all the operators in our expanded sector.”
Economic level, he pleaded for the modernisation of the sector, in particular through contractual practices and the economic regulation of supply. He called for collective reflection on tools to better manage fluctuations in production.
In terms of communication, the President wishes to improve the dissemination of economic and technical information. Finally, he underlined the importance of defending appellations internationally, encouraging the implementation of simple and responsive procedures.
The BIVB is committed to a future focused on the environment, economic modernisation, strengthened communication and vigorous defense of Burgundy appellations on a global scale. An exciting new chapter is opening for the Burgundian wine industry!