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Trump's tariff threats complicate Alexandre Arnault's leadership of the LVMH beverages division.
LVMH's wine and spirits division is encountering difficulties due to declining revenues and potential U.S. trade tariffs as Alexandre Arnault assumes leadership of the unit.
Alexandre Arnault, the 32-year-old son of LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault, is taking on a significant role in managing the luxury group's beleaguered $6 billion wine and spirits division, which features prestigious brands such as Moët & Chandon champagne and Hennessy cognac.
This division has experienced two consecutive years of declining revenues and a steep decrease in operating profit in 2024. Arnault, who took on the position of deputy CEO of the unit in early February 2025, has announced plans to devise a restructuring strategy in the coming months, emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive revamp of the operation.
The timing of Arnault's appointment is complicated by trade tensions, particularly the persistent threat of tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump.
The United States represents the largest market for LVMH’s alcohol division, accounting for more than a third of its premium cognac and champagne sales.
With less than 10% of the company’s overall sales attributed to the wine and spirits sector, the division remains susceptible to fluctuations in global trade policies.
Trump’s trade tariffs on China and potential new duties on Europe have raised alarms about further repercussions on the business, as trade unpredictability could hinder growth in crucial markets.
In light of these issues, Arnault has requested 100 days to evaluate and comprehend the business, while also recognizing that restructuring will be critical.
LVMH’s cognac operations in the U.S. experienced heightened deliveries in December 2024, as distributors stockpiled inventory in anticipation of possible tariff interruptions.
LVMH's management, including Bernard Arnault, has fostered connections with Trump, with the Arnault family attending the U.S. president’s inauguration in 2017. Nevertheless, previous strains during Trump's presidency, including tariffs on French champagne and handbags, have raised ongoing concerns among French luxury brands.
The challenges facing the wine and spirits division coincide with a growing trend among younger consumers shifting towards mixed drinks and non-alcoholic alternatives, further complicating growth projections.
Alexandre Arnault's prior experience in revitalizing brands at Rimowa and Tiffany & Co. is expected to shape his strategies for revitalizing LVMH's beverages division.
However, analysts point out that the growth potential for the alcohol sector remains limited, with persistent inflationary pressures in Western markets complicating turnaround efforts.
This division has experienced two consecutive years of declining revenues and a steep decrease in operating profit in 2024. Arnault, who took on the position of deputy CEO of the unit in early February 2025, has announced plans to devise a restructuring strategy in the coming months, emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive revamp of the operation.
The timing of Arnault's appointment is complicated by trade tensions, particularly the persistent threat of tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump.
The United States represents the largest market for LVMH’s alcohol division, accounting for more than a third of its premium cognac and champagne sales.
With less than 10% of the company’s overall sales attributed to the wine and spirits sector, the division remains susceptible to fluctuations in global trade policies.
Trump’s trade tariffs on China and potential new duties on Europe have raised alarms about further repercussions on the business, as trade unpredictability could hinder growth in crucial markets.
In light of these issues, Arnault has requested 100 days to evaluate and comprehend the business, while also recognizing that restructuring will be critical.
LVMH’s cognac operations in the U.S. experienced heightened deliveries in December 2024, as distributors stockpiled inventory in anticipation of possible tariff interruptions.
LVMH's management, including Bernard Arnault, has fostered connections with Trump, with the Arnault family attending the U.S. president’s inauguration in 2017. Nevertheless, previous strains during Trump's presidency, including tariffs on French champagne and handbags, have raised ongoing concerns among French luxury brands.
The challenges facing the wine and spirits division coincide with a growing trend among younger consumers shifting towards mixed drinks and non-alcoholic alternatives, further complicating growth projections.
Alexandre Arnault's prior experience in revitalizing brands at Rimowa and Tiffany & Co. is expected to shape his strategies for revitalizing LVMH's beverages division.
However, analysts point out that the growth potential for the alcohol sector remains limited, with persistent inflationary pressures in Western markets complicating turnaround efforts.
