Bad press for Champagne
A difficult harvest has just got harder for Champagne houses after French media claim pickers are malnourished, unpaid and effectively treated like slaves.
Anavim, a Paris based recruitment agency, was allegedly responsible for 'hiring' the pickers according to TF1 French television channel. Anavim’s Russian owner, Svetlana Goumina, denied allegations of human trafficking.
The investigation is separate to five deaths related to pickers in Champagne who died during the recent heatwave, but adds to the increasing perception that the Champagne houses who outsource the sourcing of pickers simply don’t care.
Meanwhile a survey conducted by TopRatedCasinos found that 51% of Brits think Champagne is the most overrated drink.