Shipments are up 4.8% compared to pre-COVID-19 levels
EPERNAY, France, March 6, 2024 – More than 26.9 million bottles of Champagne were shipped to the United States in 2023, reflecting a 20% decrease from 2022 and a correction to pre-Covid shipment levels. The shipments in 2023 were valued at more than 800 million euros, down 14.5% from the previous year. Compared to 2019 figures, however, shipment volumes to the U.S. are up 4.8%.
Total global exports were down 8.3% in 2023 compared to 2022, with 171.7 million bottles shipped, but were well above their 2019 level of 156 million bottles. The overstocking by distributors, for fear of shortages in 2022, partly explains the decline between 2022 and 2023 results.
Despite the drop in volume, the increase in value for cuvées, especially within the export markets, has enabled the appellation to maintain its sales above 6 billion euros worldwide.
David Chatillon, president of the Union des Maisons de Champagne and co-president of the Comité Champagne, said he “expected to see corrections in the numbers after U.S. distributors overstocked in 2021 and 2022 following the COVID-19 crisis. Champagne is optimistic for the future even as we remain sensitive to the state of the global economy. Wine professionals around the world have a deep emotional connection to Champagne, and consumers continue to consider it the undisputed benchmark for quality sparkling wine.”
Maxime Toubart, president of the Syndicat Général des Vignerons and co-president of the Comité Champagne, said “The Champagne sector is experiencing what many others are – rising prices for materials,such as cardboard and bottles, as well as higher energy costs and above-average inflation that is impacting consumer spending. Regardless, overall, we have the means to achieve long-term market balance and the resilience to ensure Champagne remains an exceptional wine.”
