Champagne makers call for cuts to grape harvest after 15% drop in sales

Champagne shipments in the first half of 2024 reached 106.7m bottles, down 15.2% from the same period of 2023 and closer to 2019 levels

In a statement issued by Comité Champagne, David Chatillon said: 'The gloomy global geopolitical and economic situation, as well as generalised inflation, is weighing on household consumption.'  

France’s Champagne producers have called for a cut in the yield of grapes harvested in the region this year after sales of the wine fell more than 15% in the first half of the year as customers tightened their belts due to an uncertain economy.

Champagne shipments in the first half of 2024 reached 106.7m bottles, down 15.2% from a particularly high level recorded over the same period of 2023 and closer to the level in 2019.