CIVC

The CIVC (Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne) is the central organisation that regulates and promotes the Champagne industry

Founded in 1941, the CIVC plays a key role in maintaining and developing the quality of Champagne and in ensuring compliance with the legal regulations and standards that apply to the production and marketing of this noble sparkling wine.

Tasks and objectives of the CIVC

The CIVC fulfils a variety of tasks aimed at protecting and promoting champagne:

1. Regulation and control: The CIVC monitors compliance with the strict quality and production standards required for the Champagne apply. These include the regulations on the designation of origin, which only apply to wines from the Champagne region, as well as specific production methods such as traditional bottle fermentation.
2. Protection of the designation of originA central concern of the CIVC is the protection of the "Champagne" appellation. This geographical indication of origin guarantees that only sparkling wines from the Champagne region that are produced according to defined standards may be labelled as "Champagne". The CIVC actively campaigns against the unauthorised use of the term "Champagne" outside the region.
3. Quality assuranceThe CIVC works continuously to improve quality standards. It carries out regular inspections to ensure that champagne producers comply with the established guidelines. This includes checks on the quality of the grapes, the production processes and the end products.
4. Research and developmentThe CIVC supports research projects aimed at improving viticulture and production techniques. It promotes innovations that can help to further improve the quality of champagne and respond to new challenges such as climate change.
5. Promotion and marketingThe CIVC is responsible for promoting champagne at national and international level. It organises events, trade fairs and promotional campaigns to raise awareness of Champagne and promote its sales.

Structure of the CIVC

The CIVC is made up of various member organisations, including:

• WinegrowerIndividual winegrowers who use their grapes for the production of Champagne.
• Champagne houses: Companies that produce and market champagne. These houses can be large companies or smaller, family-run businesses.
• Co-operativesAssociations of winegrowers who grow grapes and produce champagne together.

These various groups work together within the CIVC to represent and promote the interests of the entire Champagne industry.

Challenges and future prospects

The Champagne industry is facing several challenges that the CIVC is actively addressing:

• Climate changeChanging climatic conditions are having a significant impact on viticulture. The CIVC is working on adaptation strategies to counter the effects of climate change and ensure the quality of champagne.
• SustainabilityEnvironmentally friendly practices are becoming increasingly important. The CIVC promotes sustainable cultivation methods and ensures that champagne production is more environmentally friendly.
• Market developmentThe global markets for champagne are constantly evolving. The CIVC analyses market trends and adapts its strategies in order to survive international competition and open up new markets.

To summarise, the CIVC plays a key role in the management and promotion of champagne. Through its comprehensive tasks in the areas of regulation, quality assurance, research, promotion and market strategy, the CIVC plays a decisive role in ensuring that champagne continues to be recognised as one of the finest and most sought-after drinks in the world.