Champagne drinkers keep UK in first place for bubbly exports

Britain is still the largest export market for Champagne, despite the recession hitting figures.

Champagne shipments to the UK fell by just over 15% last year — to 30,523,359 bottles — but the figure was healthier than a forecasted 40% drop.

Imports were equivalent to 2002 levels, the Champagne Bureau said.

The UK drank the same amount of Champagne as the US, Germany and Belgium combined last year. Shipments to the US dropped by almost 30%, with exports there and to Germany falling to early Nineties levels.

Champagne Bureau director Francoise Peretti said: "The British have been drinking Champagne for 300 years and they won't give it up, even in a recession.

"These figures show the combination of the UK's international population who have brought their Champagne habit with them and the British love for it, helped along by the food revolution here."

More than 70 Champagne producers will gather at Banqueting House today for the Champagne Bureau annual tasting. Organisers said the tasting would be the largest on record, with 10,000 bottles to be uncorked.