CHAMPAGNE SALES SPARKLES IN THE U.S.

Champagne is becoming a bigger commodity in the United States with a shipment increase of 2% to 20,685,683 in 2005 from the previous year. Imports are nearly 10% and 14% higher than in 2003 and 2002, and the U.S. is the second largest champagne importer behind the United Kingdom. “The influx of ros, Champagne and the increased popularity of mini bottles contributed to the increase in shipments in 2005," said Sharon Castillo, USA Director of the Office of Champagne. "But the most important trend we identified last year is how every day more and more Americans are reaching for Champagne beyond holidays and special occasions."