06/07/2009 (Agence Europe) - Yves Bénard, whose candidacy was put forward and supported by France, was elected for a three-year term of office as President of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) at the General Meeting held in Zagreb (Croatia) on Friday 3 July. Bénard, a graduate in Agricultural Sciences and in Oenology, has held high positions in the LVMH (Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton) group. The OIV is an intergovernmental organisation of a scientific and technical nature with recognised competence for its works concerning vines, wine, wine-based beverages, table grapes, raisins and other vine-based products. With its headquarters on Paris, the OIV brings together 43 countries, including 21 from the European Union. (L.C./transl.rt)