This figure is 1,400 kg/ha lower than in 2023, representing a 12% decrease. The reduction is due to a 15% drop in sales in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year. In the first six months, 106.7 million bottles were sold, fewer than during the record years of 2023 and 2022.
Sales are returning to a level similar to that of 2019. David Chatillon, President of the Union of Champagne Houses (UMC) and Co-President of the Comité Champagne, attributes this decline to two main factors: "This decline can be explained by overstocking in the markets. In 2022, our buyers stocked up out of fear of shortages and in anticipation of inflation. If a buyer needed 12 bottles, they took 18, but now they don't want to stock up because interest rates have risen. The second reason is the unfavorable geopolitical environment."
The authorised yield will be close to the agricultural yield. Maxime Toubart, President of the General Association of Winegrowers (SGV) and also Co-President of the Comité Champagne, is pleased with the decision: "We have agreed on a yield that will allow Champagne to hope for a more favorable future." Harvesting is expected to begin in the early regions around September 10, 2024, with later wine-growing zones following about ten days later. RW
