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Economic Recession Hits Champagne

Following the expansion of the appellation in 2007, when 40 new communes were added to the list of champagne producers, Champagne is beginning to feel the pinch of today's harsh economic climate. The increase was a response by the champenoise to seemingly ever increasing sales. However last year sales fell back dramatically, and this has led to a significant decrease in sales. In 2007 sales reached record levels, with 338 million bottles sold. Last year this figure dropped to 293 million bottles, a fall of 9%. When this is allied to serious price cuts in the UK, where top brands are now routinely discounted, the situation looks bad for the champenoise. Sales have also declined in the US market, which normaly vies with the UK for the title of most significant market. The two countries normaly import similar quantities, but while the UK imported 30 million bottles in 2009, US sales fell to only 12 million bottles.

All of this is good news for UK champagne drinkers. There are numerous bargain champagnes currently on offer on the UK highstreets. It is also good news for producers of other sparkling wines. Sales of cremant have risen by 8%. Cremant is made in the same manner as champagne, and, in the case of Cremant de Bourgogne, even uses the same grape varieties. However it is generally some 20% cheaper than its more revered counterpart. Spanish Cava producers also look set to take advantage of champagne's discomfort.

All of this would seem to be good nes for the british consumer. Although it is to be hoped that the champenoise don't suffer too much. It would be sad to see yet another dip in the long boom or bust history of this great wine region.