Champagne exports lose a bit of fizz – but UK still at No1

BRITAIN has remained the world's largest export market for champagne, despite the recession.

Shipments to the UK fell by just over 15 per cent last year, with a total of 30,523,359 bottles imported, according to the Champagne Bureau.

The figures were equivalent to 2002 levels, but healthier than the forecast 40 per cent drop.

Meanwhile, shipments to the United States dropped by almost 30 per cent, with exports there and to Germany falling back to early 1990 levels.

The UK drank the same amount of champagne as the US, Germany and Belgium combined last year.

Champagne Bureau director Franoise 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 in London's Whitehall today for the Champagne Bureau annual tasting.