Brits have upped their champagne consumption by almost a third over the past year, exclusive data reveals.
The country splashed out an extra £93.8m on champers this year as shoppers returned to in-person celebrations and gatherings.
That’s the equivalent of an extra 2.3 million litres, or 260,721 nine-litre cases, according to Nielsen figures compiled for The Grocer [52 w/e 11 September 2021].
The dramatic surge in sales brings the champagne category’s value to £388.7m, from £294.9m this time last year.
This has translated into huge gains for the category’s brands. The top five champagnes in the UK – Moët & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Lanson, Taittinger and Bollinger – all grew their volumes in double figures, rising 23.4%, 29.1%, 20.4%, 35.1% and 67.8% respectively [Nielsen].
The “quality of champagne and the association of celebrating something special has helped sales bounce back” after “a tough couple of years for champagne producers and importers, following unpredictable weather conditions resulting in yield loss, and the closure of the hospitality sector”, said Wine & Spirit Trade Association CEO Miles Beale.
“We hope this continues and that the festive spirit gives a similar lift to other quality sparkling products, including English wine.”
It comes after a bumper year for the wine category as a whole: total wine sales, including champagne, grew by £522.5m this year [Nielsen].
Despite this, the industry is not predicting continued smooth sailing. The industry warned this week that Christmas shortages were likely due to the HGV driver crisis, while wine prices are expected to increase in 2022, due to further cost increases, including cardboard and glass.
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