Champagne, Prosecco and English Sparkling — 2026-10-15
Champagne shipments reached 174.2 million bottles through September, driven by a 6.8% surge in exports that offset a domestic decline in France. Meanwhile, Italian sparkling producers are navigating a complex harvest landscape, with global wine exports slowing in volume but sparkling wines bucking the trend, and Prosecco DOC seeing significant growth in the Chinese market.
Champagne, Prosecco and English Sparkling — 2026-10-15
Top developments
Champagne Shipments Hit 174.2 Million Bottles Through September
The Comité Champagne reported that shipments totaled 174.2 million bottles from January through September 2026, a 3.2% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth was entirely driven by international markets, where sales climbed 6.8%, while French domestic demand fell by 2.5%. The data highlights a continued shift toward export-led growth for major houses, even as independent growers face headwinds in their home market.
Global Wine Exports Slow, But Sparkling Wines Defy Trend
Trade Data Monitor figures released this week indicate that global wine exports slowed in both volume (-8.1%) and value (-5.1%) in the first half of 2026. However, sparkling wines were noted as performing against this broader negative trend, maintaining resilience in key markets. This divergence underscores the specific strength of the sparkling category compared to still wines during the current economic cycle.
Prosecco DOC Export Growth in China Surges 30%
Prosecco DOC exports to China grew by more than 30% in the first half of 2026, according to recent reports. The Consorzio Tutela Prosecco DOC is actively engaging with Gen Z consumers in Beijing to sustain this momentum, indicating a strategic focus on younger demographics in high-growth Asian markets.
Crémant Sustains Burgundy Sales Volume
While Burgundy's still wine sales fell 1.3% over the 12 months through July, Crémant de Bourgogne helped keep total bottle shipments near 200 million. Crémant sales rose 6.5%, now accounting for 17% of the total volume sold in bottles, demonstrating how sparkling alternatives are stabilizing traditional still-wine regions.
Local view
Local French media outlets are closely analyzing the disparity between the strong export performance and the weak domestic market. La Champagne de Sophie Claeys notes that while the region has returned to growth (+3.2%), the "rebound largely favored major houses," leaving independent growers struggling to maintain ground in France. The local narrative focuses on the structural imbalance within the supply chain, where international demand is masking domestic consumption shifts.
In Italy, Italia Chiama Italia reports on the broader challenges facing Italian producers, noting that heat and drought have changed harvesting rules and timelines. While specific Prosecco harvest data from the Consortium is not yet fully detailed in this week's fresh press, the general sentiment among Italian winemakers is one of adapting to earlier maturations and complex vinification decisions due to climate variability.
Context & numbers
- Champagne Shipments (Jan-Sep 2026): 174.2 million bottles (+3.2% YoY).
- Export Growth: +6.8%.
- Domestic (France) Decline: -2.5%.
- Global Wine Export Value (H1 2026): €15.8 billion (-5.1%).
- Global Wine Export Volume (H1 2026): 4.2 billion liters (-8.1%).
- Prosecco DOC China Export Growth (H1 2026): >+30%.
- Crémant de Bourgogne Volume Share: 17% of total Burgundy bottle sales (+6.5% YoY).
On the radar
- Full Year 2026 Harvest Reports: Final consolidated figures for the Italian and French harvests are expected in the coming weeks, which will clarify the final impact of the heatwaves on sparkling base wine quality and volume.
- US Tariff Threats: Industry stakeholders remain vigilant regarding potential new US tariffs, which could disrupt the strong export trends currently supporting Champagne and Prosecco.
- English Sparkling Harvest Data: While specific 2026 harvest reports for English sparkling are not yet fully publicized in this week's fresh news, WineGB data updates are anticipated soon, following the trend of increasing plantings and production noted in previous years.
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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