Champagne sales have seen a sharp decline in the first half of the year, with consumers tightening their belts and retailers sitting on stockpiled supplies, according to the Champagne Producers Association. The association has advised vineyard owners to harvest less during the upcoming season, which begins in early September.
Between January and June, champagne producers sold 106.7 million bottles, marking a 15.2% decrease compared to last year
“The grim global geopolitical and economic situation, coupled with inflation, is weighing on personal consumption,” said David Chatillon, president of the lobbying group Champagne Houses. He also noted that sales are being hampered by the inventories that retailers accumulated in 2021 and 2022.
This year’s harvest has also been affected by poor weather conditions, including frost and humidity that led to disease, prompting producers to set a maximum grape yield of 10,000 kg per hectare, 12.3% lower than last year.
Unlike other wines, champagne is typically a blend of multiple vintages, allowing stocks from good years to compensate for weaker harvests.
