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LVMH Divests Stella McCartney Stake Back To Founder Amid Luxury Market Challenges

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 28, 2025

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE has announced it is selling its minority stake in Stella McCartney back to the brand’s founder as the luxury conglomerate reevaluates its portfolio during a challenging period for high-end goods.

The agreement brings an end to a five-year partnership between Stella McCartney and LVMH, according to a joint statement released on Monday. The financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed.

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This move follows a series of strategic adjustments by LVMH, including the sale of its stake in Off-White’s parent company last September. In addition, the group divested from Cruise Line Holdings Co. and closed a high-end department store in Venice operated by its DFS unit in November. Analysts predict that LVMH’s fourth-quarter sales, due to be reported on Tuesday, fell 1.04%, largely due to weakening demand in key markets like China.

Stella McCartney: The Brand And Its Vision

Stella McCartney, daughter of Beatles legend Paul McCartney, established her namesake brand with a commitment to sustainability and ethical fashion. The brand is renowned for eschewing animal-derived materials such as leather, fur, and feathers, instead focusing on eco-conscious innovation, including glue-free sneakers.

Previously part of Kering SA, Stella McCartney joined forces with LVMH in 2019, with the designer assuming a dual role as brand leader and sustainability advisor to the luxury group. McCartney will continue in her advisory capacity for LVMH on sustainability matters despite this ownership transition.

Financial Challenges And Brand Outlook

Stella McCartney Ltd reported sales of approximately £40 million ($50 million) in 2022 but posted an operating loss of around £8.8 million, according to records filed with the UK’s Companies House in December 2023.

The move to regain full control of her brand signals McCartney’s commitment to her vision and the brand’s long-term sustainability ethos, even as the broader luxury market faces headwinds.

Market Response And Industry Context

LVMH’s stock fell 1% in early trading on Tuesday in Paris, extending its 12-month decline to 2.8%. The luxury sector has been under pressure due to shifting consumer demand, particularly in China, one of the industry’s largest markets.

This divestment highlights LVMH’s continued focus on refining its portfolio amid market volatility, while allowing Stella McCartney to further embrace its independent and sustainable brand identity.

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EU Farm Output Prices Decline For The First Time In Nine Months

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 12, 2026

EU Market Adjustments Signal New Price Trends

Agricultural output prices across the European Union declined in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking a shift after several quarters of increases. Data from Eurostat shows that farm gate prices fell by 1.9% compared with the same period in 2024.

Crisis of Declining Prices In Select Markets

Cyprus recorded one of the more notable decreases in agricultural input costs among EU member states, with prices falling by 2.6% compared with Q4 2024. The reduction eased cost pressures for the local agricultural sector following periods of higher prices earlier in 2025. Across the EU, prices for goods and services consumed in agriculture remained relatively stable. Non-investment inputs such as energy, fertilisers and feedingstuffs showed limited overall changes during the quarter.

Country-Specific Divergence In Price Movements

Eurostat data highlights considerable variation across member states. Fifteen EU countries recorded declines in agricultural output prices. Belgium registered the largest decrease at 12.9%, followed by Lithuania (8.2%) and Germany (6.0%). At the same time, twelve countries reported increases in output prices. Ireland recorded the strongest rise at 6.8%, followed by Slovenia (5.6%) and Malta (4.2%).

Stability In Agricultural Inputs Amid Commodity Shifts

Agricultural input prices also showed mixed developments. Eleven member states recorded declines, including Cyprus (2.6%), Belgium (2.1%) and Sweden (2.0%). Other countries experienced moderate increases, including Lithuania (4.2%), Ireland (3.3%) and Romania (2.5%). Among major agricultural commodities, milk prices declined by 4.1% while cereal prices fell by 8.9% across the EU. In contrast, fertilisers and soil improvers increased by 7.9%, reflecting continued volatility in input markets.

Outlook For EU Agriculture

The latest Eurostat data points to uneven price developments across the EU agricultural sector. While input prices remained broadly stable in many markets, movements in output prices varied significantly between member states. These trends highlight the need for farmers and policymakers to adapt to shifting commodity prices and changing cost structures across the European agricultural market.