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.