Worldwide Champagne sales volumes rose by nearly 40% in the first half of 2010, building on growth recorded in the first quarter, according to trade body CIVC. A total of 47.1m bottles were exported in the period, with shipments to EU and to non-EU countries increasing by 27.3% and 60.6% respectively. Figures are not yet available for shipments to specific countries, but the stronger US dollar and UK pound in relation to the Euro has served to stimulate consumption in these two key markets. "The end of June marked nine months of consecutive growth and while it is perhaps still premature to talk of a lasting recovery being underway ... the Champagne industry is clearly in much better shape than it was 12 months ago," CIVC spokesman Daniel Lorson told just-drinks (26 August).
