Champagne, Prosecco and English Sparkling — 2026-10-16
Champagne shipments reached 174.2 million bottles through September, driven by a 6.8% surge in exports that offset a decline in domestic French sales. Meanwhile, the global wine export market contracted in volume and value during the first half of 2026, with sparkling wines bucking the trend, while Italian wine stocks hit a high of 62 million hectoliters.
Champagne, Prosecco and English Sparkling — 2026-10-16
Top developments
Champagne shipments rise 3.2% on export strength
The Comité Champagne reported that shipments reached 174.2 million bottles between January and September 2026, representing a 3.2% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This growth was primarily fueled by international markets, where sales climbed 6.8%, successfully counterbalancing a 2.5% decline in demand within France. The rebound largely favored major houses, while independent growers continued to lose market share.
Global wine exports slow, but sparkling holds firm
Trade Data Monitor figures indicate that global wine exports slowed in the first half of 2026, with value falling 5.1% to €15.8 billion and volume dropping 8.1% to 4.2 billion liters. Despite this broader contraction, sparkling wines performed against the trend, maintaining resilience where still wines struggled. This divergence highlights the category's strength amidst a challenging macroeconomic environment for the wider wine sector.
Italian wine stocks reach 62 million hectoliters
Data from "Cantina Italia" revealed that Italian liquid stocks (wine and musts) totaled 62 million hectoliters as of September 30, 2026. This represents a significant 14.2% increase in wine stocks compared to September 2025, with musts rising by 50%. The accumulation of unsold inventory raises concerns for producers as the new harvest approaches, potentially putting downward pressure on prices.
Local view
French media highlight September rebound
L'Union reported that Champagne began to regain momentum in the domestic French market in September, though the primary drivers remained exports and major houses. The local press notes that while the overall trend is positive, the recovery is unevenly distributed, with independent growers still facing headwinds.
Italian press discusses Prosecco's cultural expansion
Italia a Tavola highlighted the evolving perception of Prosecco beyond its traditional aperitif role, focusing on the historical roots of the Pucino mentioned by Pliny and the modern international growth from the Conegliano Valdobbiadene hills. The coverage emphasizes three specific labels that illustrate this shift toward premium positioning.
Context & numbers
- Champagne Shipments: 174.2 million bottles Jan–Sept 2026 (+3.2% YoY).
- Export Growth: +6.8% for Champagne; Domestic France -2.5%.
- Global Wine Export Value: €15.8 billion H1 2026 (-5.1%).
- Global Wine Export Volume: 4.2 billion liters H1 2026 (-8.1%).
- Italian Wine Stocks: 62 million hectoliters (Wine + Musts) as of Sept 30, 2026 (+14.2% YoY for wine).
On the radar
- Franciacorta Recognition: Recent articles are positioning Franciacorta as a "sparkling wine more people should know," with critics drawing parallels to Champagne's quality standards and history.
- English Wine Data Updates: WineGB continues to aggregate data on UK vineyard expansion, with recent reports indicating over 1,100 registered vineyards and 4,841 hectares under vine as of 2025.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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