The makers of champagne in France demanded on Friday that fewer grapes be harvested this year after the wine’s sales dropped more than 15% in the first half of the year as consumers restricted their budgets as a result of the unsteady economy.

106.7 million bottles of champagne were shipped in the first half of 2024, a 15.2% decrease from a very high level noted during the same time in 2023 and closer to the level in 2019.

“Household consumption is being negatively impacted by the dire geopolitical and economic conditions throughout the world as well as by widespread inflation. A statement released by the producers group, the Comite Champagne (Champagne Committee), quoted David Chatillon, head of the Champagne Houses lobby, as saying that Champagne “continues to suffer the consequences of overstocking by retailers in 2021 and 2022.”

The committee stated that from the beginning of the year, Champagne has seen unfavourable weather, including frosts and rainy spells that have intensified attacks by the mildew fungus in the region’s vines.

It reduced the maximum grape output that may be harvested from 11,400 kg/ha in 2023 to 10,000 kg/ha.

Unlike other wines, champagne is typically produced utilising stocks from prior years, resulting in a blend of many vintages. Good years replenish these stockpiles, which can make up for bad crops.

The area has previously seen significant losses as a result of a mix of mildew and frost damage. The output dropped by 25% in 2021 compared to the five-year average, and the harvest reached a 35-year low.

(Adapted from AZDailySun.com)