Direction Change for the CMB

After 30 years of collaboration within Vinopres, Thomas Costenoble’s journey as Director of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles has come to an end. The CMB would like to express its sincere gratitude to Thomas for his role in the growth and rise of our institution. He paved a path toward seriousness, rigor, and the emergence of the CMB as a global benchmark.

Thomas Costenoble:
Dear friends and acquaintances,

After spending thirty years with Vinopres, my mission as director of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles has reached an end. These past thirty years have been both rewarding and varied and have given me the opportunity to meet countless dedicated, passionate industry members. Meeting so many professionals has been an incredible experience and will leave a powerful and sincere lasting impression on me. Throughout the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles competitions, I have been able to discover some fascinating wine regions whose many positive features have made me a tireless and devoted ambassador of them. The numerous tastings that have punctuated my career have broadened my horizons whilst also prompting huge respect for the producers who work with passion, occasionally under pressure from the elements, people or economic issues, and put so much spirit and energy into crafting quality wines.

From a professional perspective, I will now be devoting much more of my time to Becomev, which focuses on the brewing industry, and I will continue to serve the interests of the wine industry as a consultant


I have been able to discover some fascinating wine regions whose many positive features have made me a tireless and devoted ambassador of them

I would like to personally thank all of those who have helped me in my role as director of the CMB and who have enabled me to thrive in the large and wonderful family of wine. A special thanks to Louis Havaux, who welcomed me over thirty years ago and shared his experience and his energy with me. Thank-you to Baudouin Havaux for the trust he placed in me for many years and to Quentin Havaux who gave the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles a fresh boost. I would also like to extend my thanks to Bernard Sirot, who for a long time was my companion on this incredible journey, and to all my colleagues at Vinopres, who have given me such amazing help and with whom I have also shared some wonderful moments.

My time at the CMB is not entirely over though. It will continue in another form and I will stay in touch through the assistance and consultancy missions I will be tasked with.”

Quentin Havaux, CEO of Vinopres, is now assuming the role of Director of the CMB until a replacement is appointed.

The Concours Mondial de Bruxelles wishes Thomas great success in his future endeavors.

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