Champagne exports across the globe has increased by 3.4% in value while the number of bottles exported fell by four million in 2012, according to the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne (CIVC), a France-based organization that groups the Champagne producers and trade – growers, cooperatives and merchants.
Among all the countries, the UK topped the list with Champagne exports increasing by 0.5% in value despite volumes dropped by 6.1% to 32.4 million bottles.
The increase in value was due to heavy spending from wealthy consumers of Russia and China living in London, who often visit restaurants, hotels, elite bars and clubs for drinks. These places account for 30% of UK sales.
UK Champagne Bureau, the educational and promotional arm of CIVC, director Françoise Peretti said though the consumption of Champagne has gone down, consumers are paying high for the drinks.
“We are seeing a new market emerging, as discerning consumers come and settle in London from developing Champagne markets such as China, India and Russia,” Peretti added.
“This is where they choose to come to explore the best of Champagne.”
Source: Drinks Business Review