Champagne makers and growers have revealed a major investment plan for the next decade, and set the course for the future of the world's most famous sparkling wine region.
The Comité Champagne recently unveiled a plan to "ensure that Champagne is always available, always desirable and always exemplary".
The Comité Champagne will increase its annual budget by an additional €10 million, which will be invested in particular in research and development along with sustainability and strengthening its foundational missions.
The announcement followed the revelation that Champagne shipped 326 million bottles in 2022 (+ 1.6% compared to 2021).
Champagne is also experimenting with new grape varieties, researching ways to combat the various forms of vineyard decline, defining new soil maintenance methods and new oenological strategies.
"It is not just a question of responding to the changing demands of consumers; it is a question of ensuring the productivity and sustainability of the Champagne vineyard; of designing and promoting a viticulture that is in balance with the ecosystem, to produce a sufficient quantity of quality grapes," says Maxime Toubart, president of syndicat général des vignerons and co-president of the Comité Champagne.
"This is what we aim to achieve, and the course we have set for ourselves."
David Chatillon, president of the Union des Maisons de Champagne and co-president of the Comité Champagne, added: "The investment we make embodies the social responsibility of our sector.
"It is an absolute priority to ensure that Champagne continues to be recognised as an exceptional wine, supported by a united, responsible and committed industry.
"Our plan gives new impetus for new ambitions, for our appellation and our terroir."
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