UK strengthens its position as No1 Champagne export market

Figures out today from the Comité Champagne once again confirm the UK as the world’s largest Champagne export market – a position conceded only four times since 1985 and held unbroken since 1996.

Champagne shipments to the UK last year grew 4.5% by volume –three times the rate of growth for the world as a whole.

Value meanwhile grew by 7.3% and this, says Champagne Bureau Director Françoise Peretti, is the real force behind the Champagne market. ‘The focus for everyone in Champagne is value, not volume. Champagne Growers and Houses understand the precious heritage of which they are the keepers and they will spare no effort to conserve and enhance it.‘

Last July’s listing of Champagne as a UNESCO World Heritage Site was a powerful symbol of Champagne’s historic status. It also represents a stimulus to action that unites the Champagne community in a common mission.

Peretti adds ‘This is not just an encouragement to tourism in the region, though tourism will doubtless benefit. This is a monument to all dimensions of Champagne’s uniqueness and a pointer to the actions that will be deployed to guarantee its future.’