UK 'largest market for champagne'
16 Mar 10
Although the economic meltdown saw champagne shipments to the country dropping by more than 15%, the UK remained the world’s largest export market for it in 2009.
According to the figures released by the Champagne Bureau, around 30,523,359 bottles were imported to the country last year.
Experts predicted a 40% fall in shipments due to the recession, the figures however were similar to the levels recorded in the year 2002.
Around the same time, shipments to the US declined by nearly 30% - with exports there and to Germany dropping to early 1990 levels.
The report highlighted that Britons alone consumed Champagne, equal to the amount drank by people in the US, Germany and Belgium together.
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.”
Some 10,000 bottles are being uncorked at the Champagne Bureau annual tasting at Whitehall’s Banqueting House, attended by over 70 Champagne producers.
Copyright © Press Association 2010
http://www.champagne-civc.co.uk/index.php (Champagne Bureau)
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