Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> January 3, 2000
JEAN-CLAUDE BOISSET is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Jean-
Claude Boisset SA. He founded the company in 1961 at the age of 18 in
Gevrey-Chambertin. In 1964, he planted his first vine, Gevrey-
Chambertin Premier Cru Bel Air and had his first sales in England and
Austria. Four years later, he set up in Vougeot and developed his
foreign sales. In 1979, he was awarded the Burgundy exporters Medaille
d'Or in agribusiness. In 1980, he computerised all administrative
services, and set-up operations in San Francisco. In 1985, the company
joins the unlisted securities market on the Lyons Stock Exchange and
commences canvassing of French wine merchants. It was also the year of
the first vinification at Les Renardieres, designated 'the most modern
in Europe'. In 1994, the company diversified into sparkling wines,
specifically semi-sparkling Cremant de Bougrgogne and semi-sparkling-
based-wines. A year later, Mr Boisset was elected "Wine Man of the
Year". In 1997, the company was awarded ISO 9002 certification for
their quality wine policy. That same year, Boisset became the leading
makers of Crme de Cassis in France. Profile
the company, just to set the stage for our readers?
Mr. Boisset: The company focuses on the production of wine,
