Champagne producers reported on Thursday that favorable weather has improved the quality of this year’s grapes, offering some relief amid declining global demand for the French sparkling wine.
In July, the industry reduced this year’s grape harvest by 10%, capping it at 9,000 kilograms per hectare, following a 12% cut last year. The reductions were meant to address falling demand due to a global slowdown in alcohol consumption, economic uncertainty, and concerns over US import tariffs.
Grape-picking is now complete across Champagne and other French wine regions, and this year’s vintage looks promising. “We were lucky to have good weather in the right place at the right time,” said Maxime Toubart, chairman of champagne growers group SGV.
Sales volumes fell 1.8% in the first eight months of 2025 to 145 million bottles, though exports edged up by 0.2% after a decline of more than 10% last year. “We sense a slowdown in the decline, though optimism remains limited,” Toubart added.
Champagne makers noted that US tariffs on European Union wine highlight the need to explore new markets. Trade agreements with South American bloc Mercosur and India could create new opportunities for exports, producers said.