Despite lockdowns that closed restaurants, bars and receptions last year, France's Champagne producers report that 2021 saw record sales worth around 5.5 billion euros, led by a leap in exports and a return to normal on the home market.
FrenchFrench champagne producers said sales rebounded last year to a record 5.5 billion euros as demand soared despite the lingering impact of Covid restrictions that weighed on restaurants and bars, reports The Guardian.
About 322 million bottles were sold in 2021, up 32% from the previous year, when shipments slumped 20% during Covid lockdowns worldwide, the Comité Champagne trade association said in its preliminary estimates.
The French market reported a 25% jump, with 142m bottles sold, a return to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019, while exports reached a record 180m bottles on strong demand from English-speaking countries in particular.
Restocking by restaurants accounted for part of the growth but the committee also said with tourism and many restaurants still suffering, more people were drinking champagne at home.
