G.H. Mumm Champagne, a brand renowned for its pioneering spirit, has made history by transporting its champagnes to the United States via a sailing cargo ship. The ship, operated by TOWT (TransOceanic Wind Transport), arrived in New York Harbor on September 3, 2024, marking a pivotal moment in the brand’s commitment to low-carbon shipping and sustainable practices. This transatlantic voyage signifies G.H. Mumm’s ambition to make sailing cargo the primary means of transporting its champagnes to the United States in the long term. This strategic move is part of a global initiative towards carbon neutrality by 2050, encompassing the entire value chain, including viticulture, packaging, and sources of emissions.
G.H. Mumm’s historical connection to the sea dates back to 1904, when the champagne house supported polar explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot on his Antarctic expedition. One hundred and twenty years later, G.H. Mumm continues its pioneering spirit by embracing a journey towards decarbonization. The partnership with TOWT, which began in 2020, has culminated in this groundbreaking voyage. This collaboration is driven by shared ecological convictions and a dedication to innovation.
Recognizing the immense potential of TOWT, a young company based in Le Havre, G.H. Mumm signed a commitment letter in 2021, enabling the construction of TOWT’s first sailing cargo ship in Concarneau. This innovative vessel is not only the largest of its kind in modern history, but also the most powerful in its class, boasting a length of 81 meters and six cargo holds with a combined capacity of over 1,000 tons. This sustainable approach leads to a remarkable reduction in CO2 emissions, achieving over 90% less emissions compared to traditional cargo ships.
G.H. Mumm’s commitment to sustainable shipping extends beyond this first transatlantic voyage. The company plans to make a monthly transatlantic crossing with the sailing cargo ship and increase volumes as TOWT expands its fleet. The sailing cargo ship offers the added benefit of significantly reducing air pollution, particularly sulfur emissions, a major contributor to global shipping pollution.
This initiative is an integral part of Pernod Ricard Group’s broader commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050, in alignment with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), of which the group is a member. G.H. Mumm actively addresses scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions, with a focus on reducing the carbon footprint of viticulture, packaging, distillation, and transportation.
Beyond transportation, G.H. Mumm has implemented a comprehensive sustainability strategy across its operations. This includes a regenerative viticulture program in its vineyards aimed at restoring soil health, improving vineyard resilience, reducing emissions, and promoting carbon sequestration. By 2030, these practices will be extended to 100% of the three vineyard areas and shared with grower partners. Additionally, G.H. Mumm is committed to achieving 100% recyclable, reusable, or compostable packaging by 2025, continuously reducing the weight of glass bottles, and eliminating gift boxes for a growing number of product categories.
“As a player in the luxury world, G.H. Mumm has a responsibility to set an example by innovating with regard to the environment and making new practices desirable. What was yesterday only an ambitious project for the future, carried out with TOWT, is today a reliable ecological, commercial, and technological reality,” says César Giron, President of Martell Mumm Perrier-Jouët.
“I salute the confidence that César Giron has shown in the TOWT project from the outset. Thanks to his visionary outlook, he has made G.H. Mumm the first shipper to commit to us. There’s real satisfaction in seeing these terroir products benefit from low-carbon shipping. It’s the right thing to do,” adds Guillaume Le Grand, Co-founder of TOWT.
This partnership between G.H. Mumm and TOWT serves as a powerful example of how innovation and sustainability can coexist within the luxury industry, paving the way for a greener future.
