UK keeps title of No 1 champagne export market

by telegraph.co.uk - 16/03/2010

"The UK remained the world's largest export market for champagne despite the recession, according to figures. "

Champagne shipments to the UK fell by just over 15 per cent last year, with a total of 30,523,359 bottles imported, the Champagne Bureau said.

The figures were equivalent to 2002 levels but healthier than a forecasted 40 per cent drop.

Meanwhile shipments to the US dropped by almost 30 per cent, with exports there and to Germany falling back to early 1990 levels.

The UK drank the same amount of Champagne as the US, Germany and Belgium combined last year, the results show.

Champagne Bureau director Francoise Peretti said: ''The British have been drinking Champagne for 300 years and they won't give it up, even in a recession.

''These figures show the combination of the UK's international population who have brought their Champagne habit with them and the British love for it, helped along by the food revolution here.''

More than 70 Champagne producers will gather at Whitehall's Banqueting House today for the Champagne Bureau annual tasting.

Organisers said the tasting was set to be the largest on record, with some 10,000 bottles set to be uncorked.

More Details: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/foodanddrinknews/7449140/UK-keeps-title-of-No-1-champagne-export-market.html