Britons keep the champagne flowing

16 March 2006
Britons keep the champagne flowing

It seems we can't drink enough Champagne.

For the 10th year running, the UK has emerged as the leading export market for Champagne - by a long shot. Latest figures, out today, have the UK a staggering 16 million bottles ahead of the USA, Champagne's second-biggest market.

We imported nearly 37 million bottles between January and December last year, which represents a 5.19% increase on the previous year - and the trend looks set to continue.

The Champagne Information Bureau, which held its annual tasting in London this week, puts its sustained success in the UK down to the country's economic growth, coupled with Britain's affinity with Champagne, rooted in our history.

Champagne Information Bureau director Françoise Peretti has spotted some new fashions emerging. "This year we've seen a new trend as export figures show a dramatic increase in large-sized bottles, and an increase in vintage Champagne." She also credits the nationwide hospitality boom for further driving our thirst.

Joëlle Marti-Baron wouldn't disagree with that. The wine director of London's Great Eastern hotel, has contributed significantly to those figures - she sold nearly 12,000 bottles of house bubbly last year in her four restaurants.

Marti-Baron puts her buoyant sales (she holds the current Gosset trophy for Champagne List of the Year) down to her team's enthusiastic sales initiatives, which include a monthly-changing, three-strong selection offered by the glass and encourages drinkers to try lesser-known brands from smaller producers.

She also credits her younger, more open-minded customers for increased sales. "They treat Champagne as an everyday drink, rather than for special occasions like the older generation does," she added.

By Fiona Sims

Get your copy of Caterer and Hotelkeeper every week -

Sudoku Join the craze and play Sudoku online!
The Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email

Start the working day with The Caterer’s free breakfast briefing email

Sign Up and manage your preferences below

Check mark icon
Thank you

You have successfully signed up for the Caterer Breakfast Briefing Email and will hear from us soon!

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.

close

Ad Blocker detected

We have noticed you are using an adblocker and – although we support freedom of choice – we would like to ask you to enable ads on our site. They are an important revenue source which supports free access of our website's content, especially during the COVID-19 crisis.

trade tracker pixel tracking