The Champagne region faces another year of subdued sales as forecasts for 2026 show no immediate recovery.
Following three consecutive years of declining shipments, 2025 ended with a 2% drop, bringing the total to 266 million bottles—the lowest in nearly two decades, excluding 2020’s pandemic-induced decline.
Since the recent peak of 326 million bottles in 2022, Champagne has lost 55 million bottles in just two years. Key industry figures, including Laurent d’Harcourt of Champagne Pol Roger and Charles-Armand de Belenet of Champagne Bollinger, warn that the sector’s challenges persist. While stock levels are lower than last year, supporting stability, factors such as rising production costs, strong currency exchange rates, and uncertain global markets prevent a significant rebound.
The euro’s strength against the US dollar, Japanese yen, Australian dollar, and British pound increases prices in export markets. Combined with a 5–6% rise in production costs—particularly due to expensive grapes—the market faces continued pressure. David Chatillon, co-president of the Comité Champagne, explained that even slight shipment growth would not significantly alter the downward trend, and reaching the traditional target of 300 million bottles will likely take three to five years.
International markets remain challenging. In the United States, tariffs and currency effects could raise Champagne prices by up to 25%, limiting consumption. Geopolitical uncertainties, inflation, and rising production costs compound the difficulties for producers, distributors, and importers alike.
Michel Drappier of Champagne Drappier notes that increasing accessibility for average consumers could support growth, but maintaining the current strategy of exclusivity and premium positioning will delay any return to historic sales levels. As 2026 unfolds, the Champagne industry must navigate a complex landscape of economic and commercial pressures, with no immediate path back to previous highs.
Source: VinoVistara