Champagne sparkles vigorously

Wednesday, 13. April 2011 | 06:21 Uhr | R.KNOLL | WINE TRADE
Translator: E.MEISSNER
2011_03-champagner
Money is rolling in again - Champagne sales recover

FRANCE (Reims) - In some years, it was already a bit stale in the glass and sales numbers went down. Thus, Champagne has suffered a huge decline with only 253.2 million bottles sold in 2000 after the super year of 1999 with 327 million sold bottles (which was also due to the turn of the millennium). But currently Champagne is again set to sparkle. In 2010, sales rose by an impressive 8.9 percent worldwide, from 293.3 million bottles in 2009 to 319.5 million bottles. Thus, this is not very far away from the previous record year of 2007, in which 338.7 million bottles were sold.

With an increase of 21.6 percent, the German market developed even more dynamic. Last year 13.3 million bottles were shipped to Germany. In 2009, there were only 10.9 million. The current number is the best since 2000 (14.2 million bottles), but remains well below the 1999 record (17.5 million). Following the United Kingdom and the United States, Germany is the third largest export market for Champagne. In 2010, average price was 12.60 Euros per bottle, according to information from the Champagne Information Bureau in Stuttgart (real value without tax).

The French of course appreciate their sparkling luxury product: In 2010, 185 million bottles were shipped, representing only a small increase of 2.34 percent. The Champagne region is highly successful abroad. Overall, exports rose by 19.5 percent and now accounts for 42.1 percent of the total production.

Because in the longer term it is hoped that more Champagne is drunk, there are efforts made in the region to expand the vineyards. It will take several years until the vineyards are redefined and plots are classified. In addition to the previous 319 municipalities, probably about 40 other municipalities may be suitable for the production of grapes used in Champagne in the future. The lengthy restructuring process will probably be completed in 2020. (r.knoll)

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