Inflation and the international situation have somewhat dampened French consumers’ craving for champagne. According to figures from the Interprofessional Committee for Wine and Champagne, shipments in France fell 1.7% last year to 138.4 million bottles.
At the same time, export sales posted solid growth with shipments rising 4.3% to 187.5 million bottles. Enough to close a year in the green with a total of 325.9 million bottles shipped, that is, an annual growth of 1.6%.
A figure not far from the 2007 record, when 337 million bottles were sold worldwide.
Exporting already represents 57% of sales
The weight of exports is increasingly strategic. The share of exports in total sales has fallen from 45% ten years ago to just over 57% today.
A strong demand that was not penalized by the increase in prices estimated at 6%. Beyond the strong export demand, it is mainly the increases in production costs that weigh on prices, such as labels, bottles and transport.
For David Chatillon, president of the Union of Champagne Houses, co-chairman of the Champagne Committee, “Champagne, an essential wine for the celebration, naturally accompanied consumers around the world who, delighted with the end of the confinements, rediscovered the taste for parties, outings, trips”.
For 2022, caution remains given the economic and geopolitical context. However, the sector will be able to count on a “2022 harvest, solar, notable in quantity and quality, (which) will help replenish stocks to meet market demand.”
Source: BFM TV
