Champagne (world market)

2024: Sales of French champagne in the world for the year decreased by 9.2% to 271.4 million bottles

In 2024, French manufacturers shipped 271.4 million bottles of champagne. This is 9.2% less compared to 2023, when the volume of supplies was estimated at about 298.9 million units. Such data were released on January 18, 2025 by the Champagne Committee.

It is noted that political uncertainty and the formed macroeconomic situation had a negative impact on consumer demand for sparkling wine in key markets such as France and the United States. The volume of the French market in 2024 amounted to 118.2 million bottles, which is 7.2% less than in 2023. Exports decreased by 10.8% compared to 2023 and amounted to 153.2 million bottles. At the same time, supplies abroad accounted for about 56.4% of total sales.

𝓲

Фото: Freepik

Champagne is a real barometer of consumer sentiment. And now is not the time to celebrate, given inflation, conflicts around the world, economic uncertainty and a wait-and-see policy position in some of the largest champagne markets, such as France and the United States, emphasizes Maxim Toubart, president of the General Syndicate of Winemakers and co-chairman of the Champagne Committee.

It is also said that the 2024 crop in the Champagne region suffered from bad weather, including frosts and intense rains, due to which the defeat of vineyards by powdery dew fungus intensified. Unlike other types of wine products, most champagne bottles are a mixture of several vintages, that is, stocks of past years are used. These stocks are replenished in good years and can compensate for poor yields.

It is in less favorable times that we need to prepare for the future in order to maintain our trajectory in terms of sustainable development, conquering new markets and attracting consumers, "said David Chatillon, co-chairman of the Champagne Committee.[1]

2021: French champagne sales up 32%, to 322 million bottles

The total supply of champagne in 2021 increased to 322 million bottles, which is 32% more than in 2020. The market in France grew by 25% and amounted to almost 142 million bottles, returning to the level of 2019. Exports continued to grow in 2021, reaching a new record of 180 million bottles. Such data were provided by the Interprofessional Committee of Champagne Wines in mid-January 2022.

This recovery was a long-awaited surprise for Champagne residents after a turbulent 2020 (indicators decreased by 18%), which were affected by the closure of the main consumption points and the lack of festive events around the world, - comments the co-chairman of the Committee Maxim Tubar.

French champagne sales up 32% to 322m bottles

Otherwise, he notes the "healthy state of the national market." With tourism and event arrangements still limited due to the health crisis, there is reason to believe that home wine consumption has made up for the shortfall.

Uncertainty over the length of the health crisis has seen stocks for the wine trade shrink in 2020, but the direction has shifted in 2021, with demand for wine seen since April. The indicators, according to researchers at Champagne's Interprofessional Wine Committee, were also affected by problems related to logistics and transportation.

Co-Chairman of the Committee Jean-Marie Barillier noted that he was glad that "thanks to the export and commitment of consumers to exquisite cuvés, champagne will reach a record turnover of more than 5.5 billion euros. But he emphasizes that "average supplies in 2020-2021, amounting to 280 million bottles and 4.9 billion euros, remain below the pre-pandemic level (300 million bottles, 5 billion euros in 2019)."

Having suffered from the health crisis in 2020 and difficult climate conditions in 2021, the Committee expects that 2022 will pave the way for a new cycle of growth.^[2]

Notes