It was widely reported that alcohol sales flowed during COVID, as so many of us were stuck at home scheduling wine deliveries, crafting fancy cocktails and sampling new premium beers. Though the pandemic is thankfully behind us, the beverage industry continues to excel. Sales keep climbing, and workers are in very high demand.
In fact, the number of open supply chain jobs at beverage-alcohol manufacturers rose more than 50% in the first half of 2023, reports Just Drinks. That’s 3,444 active jobs related to supply chain at companies mainly in France, the United Kingdom and the United States, to be exact. The prestigious LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, producer of Hennessy Cognac and Moët & Chandon and Veuve Clicquot Champagnes, topped the list of employers trying to fill supply chain positions. It’s no wonder, as Champagne sales, in particular, are booming: “More than 325 million bottles of Champagne were shipped from France in 2022, surpassing 6 billion euros in sales for the first time,” CNBC reports.
Examples of open jobs include digital and technology supply chain project manager at Heineken brewer Grupa Żywiec, inventory analyst at Anheuser-Busch InBev and grape-sourcing manager at Australia’s Accolade Wines. Couple this fascinating industry with a high-paying position and job satisfaction is sure to follow. According to the 2023 ASCM Career and Salary Survey, supply chain professionals are extremely happy in their roles, with 65% of global respondents rating their career satisfaction as an 8 or higher, and 96% planning to stay in the field for at least the next five years.
However, it’s not all good news. Climate change leading to extreme heat and drought is damaging grapes. CNBC reports that, if no changes are made to current climate policy, the risk of drought in Champagne will rise from 16% to 43% by the 2050s, then double to 88% by the 2090s.
Drought, along with more frequent fires, floods and frosts, is even changing the way Champagne tastes, including its level of acidity and natural sweetness. In response, many producers are exploring the use of new grapes, harvesting earlier than ever before and even considering moving their crops. But, as with every agricultural industry, the future is hazy. Per Wine Enthusiast, “Basically, the only thing we do know for certain is that it will get warmer.”
Toast to the industry
Join colleagues from around the world for ASCM CONNECT 2023: North America in Louisville, Kentucky, September 11-13. You’ll hear from industry leaders on topics including sustainable supply chain management, measuring and reducing environmental impact, responsible procurement, and using the latest tech to advance supply chain sustainability. Keynotes, panel discussions and educational sessions will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to ensure ethical and responsible practices throughout your networks.
And be sure to sign up for local facility tours, including the Copper and Kings Brandy distillery tour and tasting experience, where you’ll be treated to samples of brandy, bourbon, gin and absinthe. Prefer a cold beer and a taste of American history? Try the Louisville Slugger factory tour to learn more about the timber used in the famous bats, from forest to field. Our facility tours are an excellent opportunity to network with likeminded supply chain professionals who prioritize the safety of our environment. I’ll drink to that!
