European Spirits Organisation

The European Spirits Organisation (CEPS) is the organisation that represents the European producers of alcoholic spirits. The organisation's members include 37 national associations which represent the spirits producers in 29 countries. A group of large spirit producing companies are also members. The EU is the leading world exporter of spirits.

The primary aim of the European Spirits Organisation is to: "raise and promote the understanding of the EU spirits industry to decision makers in the EU institutions, international organisations and other key stakeholders. Our role is to secure, promote and advance the freedom to produce and market spirits in a responsible way, to support the needs of our members and to be the leading voice of the European spirits industry" ^[1].

Other aims include:

• Secure appropriate EU legislative conditions for the production, marketing, distribution and sale of spirits within the EU
• Secure non-discriminatory treatment of spirits in comparison to other alcoholic beverages
• Secure free and fair access for EU spirits in third country markets
• Increase awareness of the EU spirits industry and its vital economic role
• Promote responsible consumption

Members

The membership of this organisation varies between nations, for example the one Austrian member is The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. This organisation represents the entire Austrian business community, membership is compulsory for Austrian businesses. Its website describes it as "a democratic self governing body funded by its members" ^[2]

Europe

• Association internationale - International Association European Spirits Companies Liaison Group (ESG):

Represented by

• Diageo Plc

Members of ESG

• Allied Domecq Plc
• Bacardi-Martini Ltd

Brown-Forman Davide Campari Milano SpA Diageo plc LVMH Hennessy & Co Groupe Pernod Ricard Remy-Cointreau S.A. V&S Vin & Sprit AB

Austria

• Fachverband der Nahrungs und Genussmittelindustrie Österreichs - (FNGO)

UK

• European Spirits Companies Liaison Group (ESG) c/o Bacardi-Martini Ltd
• The Gin and Vodka Association of Great Britain - (GVA)
• The Scotch Whisky Association - (SWA)

Affiliations & Membership

• Members of the European Alcohol and Health Forum ^[3]

Notes

1. ^ The European Spirits Organisation Website Mission & Objectives Last Accessed 1st July 2007
2. ^ Austrian Federal Economic Chamber Website Home Page Last accessed 1st July 2007
3. ^ Europa Website Public Health Last Accessed 28th June 2007