Cava producer Freixenet announces over 600 temporary layoffs due to drought

The Freixenet Group, producer of cava and wines, has announced temporary layoffs for 615 workers, citing force majeure as a result of the ongoing drought in Catalonia. 

The furlough will be applied from May, affecting employees working for its Freixenet and Segura Viudas brands. 

The exact implementation of the layoffs will vary depending on the time of year and how the drought develops, the company said in a statement on Tuesday. 

The Freixenet Group said it opted for this measure "in the interests of responsibility" and that it aims to "guarantee the operation of the business and preserve employability in order to deal with external factors and the force majeure caused by the serious drought." 

The company emphasized that the layoffs are an "exceptional measure" due to the current crisis, specifically a lack of grapes because of the drought, which began in 2021 and has had a "particular impact" over the past year in the Penedès area. 

Just south of Barcelona, Penedès is the home of cava and Catalonia's most famous wine region. 

Many winegrowers in the region have voiced fears for this year's crop due to the drought, despite rain in recent weeks. 

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