The champagne industry has lowered the volume of grapes that can be sold from the upcoming 2026 vintage by 2% compared to last year, according to trade association Comité Champagne.
In a move designed to balance supply and demand, the so-called “marketable yield” from 2026 will be 8,800kg per hectare, compared to last year’s 9,000kg. Comité Champagne said the “collective decision aims to gradually rebalance stock, while preserving the economic viability of the vineyards and maintaining quality standards”.
The latest reduction comes as champagne sales have risen slightly, thanks primarily to exports. The trade association’s estimates show shipments reached 107.1m bottles in the year to June, an increase of 1.2% on the same period of 2025.
“Champagne has a unique collective model that allows it to adapt its decisions to market realities without losing sight of what matters most: preserving the appellation’s value over the long term,” said Comité Champagne co-president David Chatillon.
“In an economic climate that remains uncertain, and as the industry continues to gradually rebalance its stock, this yield reflects a responsible approach.”
Last month, champagne collective Maison Pommery & Associés – the new name for Vranken-Pommery Monopole – revealed it had commenced formal talks with sparkling wine giant Henkell Freixenet that could result in a majority-stake sale.
