Champagne Sales Bubble Bursts: 2025 Decline Hits 266 Million Bottles

The shine on France’s most iconic sparkling wine dimmed in 2025, as global champagne sales dipped to 266 million bottles, marking the third consecutive annual decline since the post-Covid rebound. Behind this slowdown lies a complex mix of shifting consumer habits, geopolitical instability, and cautious recalibration within the wine industry.

A Market Feeling the Pressure

According to data shared by the Comité Champagne during the traditional Saint-Vincent celebrations in Reims, the 2025 performance reflects a combination of economic headwinds and unpredictability across international markets.

Key highlights of the report include:

266 million bottles shipped in 2025.
A total revenue of €5.17 billion, down from recent highs.
Domestic French market sales of 114 million bottles, slipping from 118 million in 2024.
Exports slightly declined to around 152 million bottles, reflecting softer demand in major markets like the U.S. and the U.K.

While the champagne industry remains a global symbol of celebration, more consumers are now turning to alternative sparkling wines such as Prosecco or Cava, especially among younger drinkers looking for affordability without sacrificing quality.

Global Uncertainty Weighing on Luxury Bubbles

Charles Goemaere, the Comité Champagne’s Managing Director, described 2025 as a year marked by “an unpredictable global economy,” pointing to:

Multiple armed conflicts disrupting trade and consumer confidence.
Slower growth or economic stagnation in some key export markets.
Evolving social trends, including reduced alcohol consumption and a preference for more casual drinking experiences.

This blend of global instability and lifestyle change has pushed champagne producers to rethink strategies, adapting production and marketing to a new generation of consumers.

Producers Adapt with Measured Caution

Since the record 326 million bottles shipped in 2022, the region’s production levels have gradually decreased, reflecting a deliberate effort to maintain balance between supply and demand.

In 2025, yield limits were reduced from 10,000 to 9,000 kg per hectare, aiming to prevent oversupply. The champagne stock now stands at an unprecedented 1.279 billion equivalent bottles, giving the industry a buffer against volatile demand.

Despite these challenges, optimism remains strong in the Champagne region. Producers continue investing in sustainability, premium positioning, and tourism — betting that the allure of Champagne’s luxury heritage will remain timeless.

A Resilient Industry with Effervescent Optimism

Even in challenging times, the Champagne sector knows how to reinvent itself. Experts believe the path forward lies in:

Strengthening the French domestic market with renewed branding and local engagement.
Expanding in high-potential markets like Asia and North America where luxury consumption remains buoyant.
Enhancing digital storytelling and e-commerce to connect with younger, experience-focused consumers.

As Charles Goemaere summed up, the goal is not just to sell more bottles — but to preserve Champagne’s identity as the world’s most celebrated symbol of joy and sophistication.

Bottom Line

While 2025 marked a sobering slowdown for Champagne, it also reinforced the industry’s resilience. With a careful balance of tradition, innovation, and adaptability, the region seems ready to weather the storm and sparkle once again.