Party Is Over for Champagne as Sales Drop After Two Record Years

Champagne sales and exports are predicted to decline this year after two record years, as the lifting of pandemic-related restrictions returns the industry to a more normal rhythm. French industry group Comite Champagne expects sales to reach around 314 million bottles in 2023, compared to 326 million in 2022. The decline is attributed to inflation for domestic shipments, while the drop in exports is seen as a return to normalcy after an exceptional year in 2022.