The 32 percent increase in the number of bottles sold comes after a 20 percent drop in 2020, when the hospitality and events sector was largely flat due to the corona crisis. The crisis is still not over and it is therefore “consumption at home that has taken the lead”, according to the Champagne Committee, which represents the champagne houses and vineyards . “Consumers have decided to indulge in some fun at home, despite the gloomy atmosphere.”
The sudden recovery in demand has taken some producers by surprise, leading to a shortage of stock due to supply chain problems caused by the coronavirus. In Spain, for example, Ruinart, Moët&Chandon and Dom Pérignon were unable to meet the demand.
According to preliminary figures, last year turnover was above 5.5 billion euros, a record that is significantly higher than the 5 billion euros regularly achieved before the pandemic.
The sector hopes that this figure is the harbinger of a new “growth cycle” after the sector had to deal with severe weather conditions in 2021.