Moët Hennessy in crisis: what the internal video doesn’t say…
A wind of concern is blowing through champagne. Moët Hennessy, flagship of the LVMH group, announces a 10% reduction in its workforce. A corporate video sets off shockwaves in an already tense context for the sector.
An unexpected announcement… and a bad reception
On April 30, Moët Hennessy teams were shown a video soberly entitled “Regardez Pensez Demain #2”. In it, Jean-Jacques Guiony (CEO) and Alexandre Arnault (deputy CEO) describe a strategy that will result in the elimination of 1,200 of the 9,400 jobs. No redundancy plan is planned: everything will be done through the non-replacement of natural departures.
This policy aims at a return to 2019 staffing levels, justified by the 8% drop in sales in the first quarter of 2025 (i.e. 1.3 billion euros). However, the announcement provoked an outcry. The CGT, through the voice ofAlexandre Rigaud, denounced a “disconnected” communication and concrete consequences on pressure at work.
Between trade tensions and rationalization
The champagne sector is under double pressure. On the one hand, the threat (temporarily suspended) of 200% tariffs in the United States – a decision prompted by Donald Trump. On the other, a 40% rise in selling prices, which poorly masks a drop in volumes.
Philippe Cothenet (CGT Champagne) qualifies: “It’s not a collapse. 2024 is still a very good year. A reading that contrasts with the brutality of the managerial gesture. The timing – after a period of prosperity – raises questions about LVMH’s real motivations.
What’s next? A response expected in Vendôme
On May 20 and 21, a meeting in Vendôme could be the start of a dialogue between management and unions. Further meetings are planned for the summer. But behind the scenes, one question remains: is Moët Hennessy preparing for a more profound transformation?
Read also: Aston Martin in the face of US taxes
