Cognac sales will continue recent momentum, with gains set to persist in North America and China supported by a resurgence in Russia, according to the “Global Cognac & Brandy Insights” report from just-drinks and the IWSR. The research firm also stated it expects consumption of premium-and-above non-Cognac brandy to increase over the next five years. The overall market’s recent declines will persist with this part of the Cognac and brandy category skewed by the vast brandy markets of India and the Philippines, accounting for well over 100 million cases in annual sales, both of which are declining — and overshadowing more buoyant trends in South Africa and Russia. Cognac has recovered from the impact of austerity measures in China and consumption has reached record levels in North America.