Warnings of global champagne shortage over Christmas - but Australians should breathe a sigh of relief
Champagne stocks are reportedly at an unprecedented low level in the lead-up to Christmas.
The CEO of Moët Hennessy – the umbrella brand for Veuve Clicquot, Dom Périgno and Moët & Chandon, admitted his company was "running out of stock" during a press conference this week.
Phillipse Schaus told reporters in Singapore that demand for champagne was so strong lately that his company joked the "roaring 20s" had returned.
However, John Noble, director of the Champagne Bureau in Australia, told 9Honey Kitchen that Australians should "keep calm" amid reports of a bubbly shortage.
READ MORE: Why this $20 Sydney pie has people furious
The CEO of Moët Hennessy warned Champagne stock levels were low. Getty
READ MORE: How to put a savoury twist on your favourite summer fruits
Noble explained that now is the time for Aussie champagne lovers to head to the liquor store and stock up on their Christmas bubbly in case their favourite brand flies off the shelves, but said a shortage might be a bit of an exaggeration.
"Although Hennessy might indicate that their stocks are getting very difficult to source in Australia, we won't exactly run out," he says.
"But it may potentially be harder to find your favourite brand. Australians are very brand loyal.
"Hennessey might also be referring to their vintage champagne."
Noble said Australia is ranked sixth in the world in the champagne export market. Nearly 10 million bottles of champagne were imported into Australia in 2021, an increase of 1.3 million bottles for the previous year.
He also observed the global cost-of-living crisis had not dulled consumer thirst for high-end champagne in the last few months.
John Noble, director of the Champagne Bureau in Australian, said Aussies shouldn't be too worried. Getty Images/iStockphoto
READ MORE: Harry, Meghan accused of public King snub
"The thirst for champagne is incredible," Noble said. "It's not that we will run out - because the volume of champagne coming in is in-line with the demand."
If you're worried about nabbing your favourite champagne in time for the festive season, Noble has a few recommendations.
"People are getting ready for Christmas and some of the bigger stores do some really great value deals," he added.
"Do a bit of planning, look at the good deals and buy six – or try something different on Christmas Day if you can't find your usual brand."
You should start to stock up on your favourite brands now. Getty Images/iStockphoto
READ MORE: How to make the perfect prawn salad for a hot Christmas
While some champagne varieties may need to be scratched from your Christmas wish list, there are plenty of local sparkling varieties on the shelves at liquor stores in Australia.
Jacques Guiony, finance chief of LVMH, had previously warned champagne stocks were dangerously low and might not be backfilled until Christmas.
"We still had bottles available, which will not necessarily be the case in [the fourth quarter]," he said in October, The Telegraph UK reports.
Champagne sales have also been particularly strong in Europe and in the US.
