The Art of Slowing Down

143: Champagne & Cognac: Shifting Tastes Open the Door for Private Label

In this conversation, I spoke with a longtime industry consultant who has spent decades working with some of the biggest names in alcohol, from LVMH and Diageo to Constellation Brands. We discussed how Gen Z is reshaping Champagne consumption, why Cognac’s double digit sales decline may not recover quickly. We also cover how tariffs and shifting nightlife habits are pressuring legacy spirits brands. This industry expert also shared candid thoughts on LVMH’s portfolio strategy, the fading relevance of icons like Dom Pérignon and Veuve Clicquot, along with why he believes private label Champagne and Cognac could disrupt the market as retailers quietly buy up family-owned producers and undercut luxury pricing.

This transcript is part of a growing series of expert calls typically reserved for institutional investors who pay 1.200€ /hr. Paid subscribers gain access to full interviews like this one each month.