Defying countless doom-and-gloom projections, Champagne sales have boomed over the last year, and are now well ahead of pre-pandemic pace. In fact, the only challenge the category faces today is the threat of shortages due to supply chain disruptions and surging demand.
While this has sent many buyers to other quality sparkling wine regions, and sales of bubbly across the globe are up, Champagne sales continue to climb, proving that the world’s most famous sparkler still reigns.
Explore the current state of the Champagne industry through these data points.
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- By the end of 2021, global Champagne sales will hit 305 million bottles, according to the General Syndicate of Champagne Growers—the highest since 2017.
- In 2020, Champagne sales were down 18 percent, following a two percent decline in 2019, according to the IWSR.
- The U.S. is the second-largest export market for Champagne, just behind the U.K., which has long been the region’s number one market and is responsible for around 21 million bottles annually (though some years, the U.S. is higher by value).
- Champagne remains France’s second-most valuable export industry (aeronautics is number one).
- Moët & Chandon is the world’s largest Champagne producer, producing over 30 million bottles per year.
- Nicolas Feuillatte is the best-selling Champagne in France—while Veuve Clicquot is the top seller in the U.S.
- Extreme weather caused a 60 percent drop in Champagne’s grape harvest in 2021, making it the smallest harvest in 40 years.
- In 2020, vineyard yields were severely restricted by a mandate from the regional trade association, Comité Champagne, which could impact future supply issues.
- In response to the demand spike and looming shortage, certain brands, including Dom Pérignon and Cristal, have reportedly seen as much as a nine percent price increase on the fine wine market, according to Decanter.
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