MBWS proposes job cuts to off-trade team

Drinks group Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits (MBWS) is considering removing 29 jobs in its French off-trade sales division as part of its plan to restore profitability.

MBWS’ subsidiary in France has revealed the plan after assembling its Social and Economic Committee.

The proposal seeks to streamline MBWS’ retail field sales department in the market by pooling it with other distribution entities within the group.

The move aims to protect MBWS’ competitiveness in this channel. The cost-cutting plan was launched in 2019, when the group revealed its plan to ‘redeploy’ its sales force in France.

MBWS said the pandemic led to the temporary rise in off-trade sales but noted that the channel is expected to begin its downward trend.

MBWS added that the company’s proposed move to a mutual structure for its sales force is the result of ‘strong inflationary pressure in annual commercial negotiations with the players in this channel, amplified by changes in regulations, and by a sharp rise in the cost of raw materials’.

Furthermore, the project would be combined with the existing field sales partnerships within MBWS’ other units, enabling the French subsidiary to retain full control over annual negotiations with central purchasing agencies, the management of its sales and marketing strategy, and the development of its brands.

As such, the proposal would result in the removal of 29 roles in the off-trade field sales department in France and the creation of two new positions.

MBWS said it would limit the consequences of the plan and support its employees amid social measures that may come into force.

The French firm saw sales decrease by €5.8 million (US$6.8m) in the first half of 2021.

In July 2020, MBWS agreed to sell its Polish business to United Beverages Group after facing ‘significant challenges’ in the market.

French drinks group La Martiniquaise-Bardinet is the majority shareholder of Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits.