In the last two decades, the Austrian sparkling wine industry has experienced a remarkable shift.
Where competition once drove producers to focus primarily on outperforming each other, the formation of the Austrian Sparkling Wine Committee (Sekt Austria) has fostered collaboration and solidarity within the industry.
The pivotal moment in this transformation came on January 20, 2025, when representatives of Austria's sparkling wine sector gathered at the Ronacher in Vienna for an industry event that marked both a change in leadership and a reaffirmation of commitment to shared growth.
At this well-attended event, Mag. Benedikt Zacherl, the outgoing chairman of the Austrian Sparkling Wine Committee, officially handed over the leadership to Aurore Jeudy, cellar master at Schlumberger. Jeudy, who hails from Champagne and has extensive international experience, brings a fresh perspective to the role. Having worked as a consultant in Austria, she is well-acquainted with the local market and is determined to lead the industry to new heights. Her personal motto, “Alone you go faster, together you go further,” reflects her philosophy of collaboration, emphasizing the importance of unity among manufacturers, retailers, the press, and consumers alike.
Jeudy’s leadership marks a continuation of the committee’s mission to strengthen the brand and quality of Austrian Sekt. In her address, she stressed that the principles of "Cooperation strengthens the brand, identity, and product" and "Together we are stronger" will guide her tenure. By fostering an exchange of expertise, Jeudy aims to further build on the successes already achieved by the Austrian sparkling wine sector, including increased recognition of the iconic red-white-red banderole, which signifies authentic Austrian sparkling wines.
The numbers speak for themselves. Today, Austria boasts around 250 active sparkling wine producers, and the industry is seeing a positive trend, with the number of submissions for the test number more than doubling. Jeudy also highlighted the committee's goal to secure a higher budget to support the growth of the industry, though she acknowledged that this will require additional support from sponsors and partners.
The sparkling wine market in Austria is showing strong growth, both in terms of demand and quality. According to estimates for 2025, international sales of sparkling wine are expected to reach 42.8 billion euros, with Austria projected to contribute 1 billion euros in sales. Of this, 660 million euros will come from sparkling wine consumed in restaurants, underscoring the importance of the out-of-home consumption segment. Notably, the sparkling wine market in Austria has grown by 2% in sales, with value-added contributions reaching 60 million euros. The sector also supports around 2,500 jobs.
International trends reveal a positive outlook for sparkling wine globally. Italy remains the market leader with 700 million liters produced annually, while France and Germany follow closely behind. Despite challenges faced by Spain, including droughts and import losses, the global market value is projected to reach 52.8 billion euros by 2028. New producers such as Great Britain, Australia, and Brazil are emerging as important players in the sparkling wine market.
One of the highlights of the event was a specialist lecture by Dr. Sibylle Krieger from Lallemand, who spoke about the crucial role of biological acid management in base wines. In the face of climate change, managing acidity in sparkling wine production has become an essential factor for achieving high-quality results.
The event concluded on a light-hearted note, with cabaret artist and Sekt Austria ambassador Andreas Vitasek entertaining attendees. Participants enjoyed a lively exchange, savoring sparkling wine and culinary delights.
As Austria’s sparkling wine sector enters this new chapter under Aurore Jeudy’s leadership, the future looks bright. With a shared vision of collaboration and a commitment to quality, the Austrian sparkling wine industry is poised for continued success on the global stage.
Source: Der-Winzer