economy
December 31, 2025
Champagne sales surge at New Year
Reports of human trafficking and the mistreatment of workers, and even several deaths during the 2023 harvest, provoked scandal around the Champagne industry.
TL;DR
- Four migrant grape pickers died during the 2023 harvest due to extreme heat and substandard conditions, dubbed the 'harvest of shame.'
- A trial in 2025 convicted individuals for human trafficking and exploiting over 50 West African migrant workers, exposing 'hellish' living conditions and 'blatant mistreatment.'
- The widespread use of subcontractors and employment agencies allows Champagne houses to distance themselves from illegal working practices.
- Comité Champagne has pledged a 'zero tolerance' approach to abuses and launched an action plan to improve worker health, safety, and accommodations.
- Moët & Chandon invested in new accommodation for grape pickers, but overall responses from unions and trade bodies regarding welfare measure implementation are pending.
- Champagne shipments declined significantly in 2023 and 2024, with further headwinds from U.S. import tariffs.
- Labor unions have called for strikes over cancelled bonuses and pay demands at LVMH's Champagne units.
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