Total shipments of Champagne in 2021 rose to 322 million bottles in 2021, an increase of 32% over 2020, Champagne Bureau USA reports. The market in France was up by 25% at nearly 142 million bottles, a return to 2019 levels. Exports continued to rise as well to a new record of 180 million bottles globally.
With limited tourism and live events due to the COVID-19 pandemic, home consumption of Champagne appears to have increased, the Bureau said. Consumers have chosen to entertain themselves at home, compensating for the generally gloomy mood with new moments of celebration and sharing.
Uncertainty about the duration of the pandemic led the wine trade to reduce stocks in 2020. However, in 2021 they reversed that trend, with the acceleration in consumer demand since April. Problems linked to logistics and transport disruptions also factored into the 2021 figures.
Jean-Marie Barillère, president of the Union des Maisons de Champagne and co-president of the Comité Champagne, said, “Thanks to exports and the consumer’s devotion to fine cuvees, Champagne will reach a record turnover of more than 5.5 billion Euros*.” However, he noted, “The average shipments in 2020-2021, at 280 million bottles and 4.9 billion Euros, remains under the pre-pandemic levels (300 million bottles, 5 billion Euros in 2019).”