In the middle of the Christmas weekend, it’s time to take stock for the champagne. Against all odds, the 2022 vintage promises to be especially good for the sector. Despite the health crisis, inflation and the closure of the Russian market, sales have reached new highs. This year no less than 331 million bottles were sold, flirting with the record of 2007 and its 337 million bottles sold.
According to the Interprofessional Committee for Champagne and Wine, champagne shipments increased by 4.7%. Production may not even be enough to meet demand. In 2020, “the quotas were reduced” due to the health crisis, which lost “20% of the potential”, then the frosts and diseases of the following year caused an additional loss of 40%, explains the president of the Drappier house, Michel Drappier, at BFM Business.
Price increase
Enough to drive up prices: Champagne prices have risen 6% this year, according to specialists. But, beyond the lack of supply and strong demand, it is above all the increases in production costs that weigh on prices, such as labels, bottles and transport. Glass, for example, has gained more than 30% in thirteen months according to Drappier.
However, it looks like the end of the year will be less intense than usual, with shipments down 8.5% year-on-year in November. At 5.7 billion euros, the sector should still break its sales record.
Source: BFM TV
