CHAMPAGNE SECTOR SHOWING PROMISE

Although French wine exports aren’t doing so hot, their champagne is showing increasing popularity in other countries, especially the U.S. and Japan, where sales were boosted by 35%. French consumers still drink the largest amount of champagne but marketing research shows that foreign consumers purchase more expensive brands. Says Daniel Lorson of the CIVC, "The French buy non-vintage brut [dry], the basic wine, whereas in places such as the United States and Japan they buy upmarket vintage brands." Also, export prices are 30% higher according to Lorson: “There is so much export demand that it would be a shame to give up the margins." Britain drinks the most amount of champagne, followed by the U.S. and Europe with increasing numbers from Japan, Singapore, China and Russia.