Champagne shipments hit by gloomy consumer mood in 2024, producers say

PARIS – Shipments of French champagne fell nearly 10% last year as economic and political uncertainties hit consumer appetite for sparkling wine in key markets such as France and the United States, the producers’ association said.

Producers had called in July for a reduction in the number of grapes harvested this year after sales fell more than 15% in the first half of 2024.

Full-year shipments fell 9.2% from 2023 to 271.4 million bottles, the Comite Champagne (Champagne Committee) said.

“Champagne is a true barometer of consumers’ mood,” Maxime Toubart, president of the Syndicat General des Vignerons and co-president of the committee, said in a statement late Saturday.

“It is not the time to celebrate due to inflation, conflicts around the world, economic uncertainties and political expectations in some of the biggest champagne markets, such as France and the United States.”

The French market accounted for 118.2 million bottles, a decrease of 7.2% compared to 2023, which the association dismissed as the prevailing economic and political “darkness” in the country.

President Emmanuel Macron appointed Francois Bayrou, his fourth prime minister in a year, in December, but his administration remains weak and still faces an uphill battle to pass the 2025 budget that led to the ouster of his predecessor, Michel Barnier.

Champagne exports also fell, with just 153.2 million bottles shipped, down 10.8% compared to 2023.

“It is in less favorable times that we must prepare for the future, maintain our environmental trajectory (standards), conquer new markets and new consumers,” said David Chatillon, co-president of the Champagne Committee.

The committee said in July that the 2024 harvest in the Champagne region had suffered from bad weather since the start of the year, including frost and wet weather that increased mold attacks in its vineyards.

Unlike other wine productions, most champagne bottles are a blend between several vintages, using stocks from previous years.

These reserves are replenished during good years and can compensate for poor harvests.