The Hennessy story
Richard Hennessy, an Irish officer in the army of King Louis XV, settled in Cognac and founded his cognac house in 1765. His son James built the business. Hennessy introduced the star system for grading cognac and created X.O in 1870.
What makes Hennessy powerful
Hennessy is the world's largest cognac house. Its cognacs, from V.S to X.O and Paradis, are sold worldwide. Hennessy has strong cultural resonance in music, especially hip-hop.
Hennessy today
Hennessy is part of Moët Hennessy, the wines and spirits division of LVMH. The Fillioux family has provided Hennessy's master blenders for generations.
What comes next for Hennessy
Hennessy's road ahead is to manage weaker demand for cognac in key markets and trade tensions, while protecting its premium position.
Why Hennessy ranks #72
Brand Positioning & Recall (76.0) and Consumer Trust & Sentiment (68.0) carry Hennessy's Power Score of 67.88.
Digital Presence & Financial Soundness at 62.0. What would move it: Stronger digital engagement and clearer published financial reporting at brand level.
Pillar profile
Versus its nearest rivals
17 Food & Beverage brands are in the Europe 100. Hennessy is #13 in its sector.
Questions people ask
What rank is Hennessy in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026?
Hennessy ranks #72 of 100 in Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026, with a WCRC Power Score of 67.88 out of 100.
When was Hennessy founded and who founded it?
Hennessy was founded in 1765. Founder(s): Richard Hennessy.
What is Hennessy's weakest area?
In the 2026 assessment, Hennessy's lowest pillar is Sustainability, Governance & ESG at 62.0 out of 100.
Who leads Hennessy today?
Part of LVMH. The brand is owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton.
Where is Hennessy headquartered?
Hennessy is based in Cognac, France. Its country of origin is France.
What is Hennessy's revenue?
€80.8bn LVMH group revenue (FY2025), according to the company's published results.
What is a signature fact about Hennessy?
The Hennessy family has worked with the Fillioux family of master blenders for eight generations.
Key facts
| Brand | Hennessy |
|---|---|
| Company / owner | LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton |
| Headquarters | Cognac, France |
| Founded | 1765 |
| Founder(s) | Richard Hennessy |
| Leadership | Part of LVMH |
| Latest revenue | €80.8bn LVMH group revenue (FY2025) Source |
| Sector | Food & Beverage |
| Country of origin | France |
| Signature fact | The Hennessy family has worked with the Fillioux family of master blenders for eight generations. |
| Official website | hennessy.com |
Hennessy is ranked #72 in WCRC's Europe's Most Powerful 100 Brands 2026 (Power Score 67.88).