UK Champagne consumption back to pre-recession levels
Champagne consumption in the UK is back to pre-recession levels, according to data from Wine Intelligence.
Lulie Halstead, chief executive, told delegates attending Harpers Wine & Spirit's second annual Champagne Summit held at London's Soho House Hotel yesterday, that 43% of regular UK wine drinkers also consume Champagne on a regular basis. This had fallen to 37% at the height of the economic crisis.
The day's speakers included the Future Foundation's Pippa Goodman, brand strategist Andrew Marsden, formerly of Britvic, Paul Beavis of Lanson UK and Robert Joseph. There was also a panel debate with input from the major supermarket buyers, Spar, Champagne Warehouse, the CIVC, Le Bouchon Breton, and 2010 Champagne ambassador of the year Laura Clay. Overall there was a positive message about the opportunities for Champagne to connect with consumers in the UK market.
In the evening Harpers announced the winners of the inaugural Champagne Awards.
- Waitrose won Best Champagne Buying Team
- Xavier Rousset, co-owner of London restaurant Texture, won the award for Best Buyer in the on-trade
- The Sampler won Best Independent Champagne Retailer
- Majestic won Best Champagne Multiple Retailer
- Champagne Warehouse won the award for Best Online Direct Champagne Sales
- Richard Bampfield won Champagne Educator of the Year
For full coverage of the event see our February 25 issue.
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