Champagne defies gloom

Fear of a recession is not yet slowing the sale of Champagne. Research by analyst Mintel has found that more people are popping open bottles of bubbly than ever before.

Its survey shows volume sales of all sparkling wines increased by 29% between 1993 and 1997 to reach 38.2 million litres.

Shipments of vintage Champagne, which normally account for 6% of total volume sales, more than doubled to 12.8% in 1997.

During the four-year period of the survey, the market value of sparkling wines went up 34% and sales are predicted to reach £945m in 1998.

One reason for the drive in sales is people stocking up in preparation for the millennium.

The findings also reveal that branded Champagnes, such as Moët et Chandon, were drunk by 25% of respondents, while any other French sparkling wine was the second most widely drunk at 18%.

Anthony Hughes, Mintel's market analyst, said: "The revival of sales since the last recession has been based on the growing interest in different styles of Champagnes and premium sparkling wine, and a more well-founded appreciation of their qualities."