Charles III and gastronomy is a great love story. Nicknamed by the INA “king of organic farming”*, this supporter of healthy and tasty local produce has always defended “eating well”, combining protection of nature and health benefits. And this, despite the ridicule experienced by many farmers, fervent defenders of organic farming, at a time when it was not always popular.
A royal label guarantee of quality
Opposing the harmonization of bacteriological rules in the European Union, to protect the heritage of French cheese, particularly those made with raw milk, King Charles established himself as an erudite gastronome. Aside from cheese, Charles highlights another pillar of the French terroir: champagne.
Did you know? A royal warrant is issued to companies — particularly those producing champagne — every 5 years by the English crown. Following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, it is now Charles III who selects the houses. Its first ranking was revealed this month.
Which champagne houses are losing their royal title?
With the stated ecological motivations of Charles III, biodynamics and respect for the environment were obviously at the heart of the examiners’ expectations.
Nine champagne houses were linked to the English royal family. Since December 19, there are only six of them. Pol Roger, Laurent-Perrier, Louis Roederer, Veuve Clicquot, Bollinger retain the precious label. Moët & Chandon also managed to pass the Charles III milestone thanks to its vineyard certified Sustainable Viticulture and High Environmental Value. For their part, the Krug, Mumm and Lanson Houses lost British recognition. It is a hard blow for Lanson who has retained this distinction since 1990. While it is a consecration for the Bollinger house which retains its position from queens to kings. Etienne Bizot, Chairman and CEO of the Bollinger Group, said: “I am delighted to learn that Champagne Bollinger has once again received the great honor of receiving the Royal Warrant. It is with great pride that we place the Royal Warrant on every bottle of Bollinger Champagne we produce, and it is particularly special to receive it this year from the hands of His Majesty the King, on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of its award to the House by Queen Victoria in 1884.”
It is also a new triumph for Pol Roger who has already received a seal of approval from Windsor in 1877, then that of George V in 1912, George VI in 1947 and Queen Elizabeth II in 2003.
Global advertising for assured purchases
From 2025, the royal coat of arms with the heading “King Charles III” can be displayed on the bottles of victorious houses. They temporarily have the assurance of a first “customer”, and not the least since they will have to ship 200 to 400 bottles to the British Court each year until 2030, the date of the new selection. It’s a loop: each mandate is re-examined the year preceding their end and each company must prove, during their 5 years of shared “reign”, the consistency of their quality or even positive development. Being associated with the royal family also represents an advertising showcase whose commercial impact cannot be underestimated.
Champagne shares the glass with other drinks
The 6 French champagnes represent only a small percentage of the 386 beverage companies that receive the label.
Apart from fine bubbles, the king has dubbed other types of drinks such as gin with the brand Tanqueray Gordon & Company or the manufacturer of Schweppes Beverage Services Limited.
We also find Pimm’s, a brand of alcoholic aperitif owned by Bacardi, Thomas Hine cognac and also Dubonnet, which was the brand of vermouth adored by the late queen. Whiskey distillers including John Walker & Sons, Lochnagar Distillery and D. Johnston & Co (Laphroaig), as well as Matthew Gloag & Son, are also lucky winners. Shepherd Neame, known for its beers including Spitfire Amber, also has a Royal Warrant.
* https://www.ina.fr/ina-eclaire-actu/charles-iii-agriculture-bio-recettes-environnement
