

Inside Moët Hennessy’s crisis
27 snips Jun 18, 2025
Adrienne Klasa, the Financial Times' Paris correspondent specializing in luxury businesses, dives deep into the recent challenges faced by Moët Hennessy. She explores the company's strategic missteps under previous leadership, revealing how poor decisions have led to a financial downturn. Klasa discusses the impact of changing consumer behaviors, rising prices, and the repercussions of the U.S.-EU tariff dispute. The conversation sheds light on the complexities of crisis management in the luxury sector and questions whether Moët Hennessy can make a strong comeback.
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Moët Hennessy’s Hidden Struggles
- Moët Hennessy, part of LVMH, faced stagnant sales growth despite visible presence at events like Paris Olympics.
- The division's struggles were masked by luxury branding but reflected deeper business issues.
Moët Hennessy’s Strategic Role
- Moët Hennessy was crucial as a stable cash generator within LVMH, offsetting volatile fashion segments.
- Wine and spirits sales are less seasonal and provide steady high margins powering LVMH acquisitions.
Pandemic Fueled Luxury Booze Boom
- The COVID-19 pandemic paradoxically boosted luxury alcohol sales as consumers bought premium beverages to enjoy at home.
- This surge spurred explosive growth but was an unsustainable spike rather than a permanent trend.