According to estimates by Reuters, a contribution of increased demand for exports and competitive exchange rates lead to an increase in sales of 312 million bottles, 2-3% up from 2014. But more importantly a record high of Champagne sales that equated to €4.7bn, an increase of the previous record of €4.56bn in 2007. With official figures due to be released next month, these estimates give a good cause for celebration in the mean time.
Previous worries about France’s instability have calmed and has been reflected with an increase in domestic sales of Champagne. “Consumers need to enjoy life,” said Bruno Paillard, CEO of Lanson BCC, adding lower energy prices and interest rates may have helped improve consumer purchasing power.
Only time will tell how sales will progress in 2016, but it is good to be able report that Champagne is beginning to hit the highs of pre-recession.