Nicolas Feuillatte sets sights on global export market despite profit dip

Champagne brand Nicolas Feuillatte is “well positioned” to take ground in the global sparkling wine market share, despite suffering a 20% profit slump.

The group said it has set “ambitious international targets,” with plans to further consolidate its position as one of the world’s most recognised Champagne labels, and has eaten into its profits over the past year to do so.

The Centre Vinicole – Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte (CV-CNF) posted sales worth 200 million euros for 2017 at its annual AGM this month, in line with 2016, but a net operating profit of 15.9 million euros, a 20% decline compared to the previous year.

The firm said that, although sales remained steady, execs have made significant investments in Nicolas Fuillatte’s tourist opportunities since 2015 — most notably a €25m (£22m) new visitor centre which opened last June. It has also spent €7.5m on bolstering its production facilities, as well as a new harvesting facility.

Exports account for 40% of total sales, according to CV-CNF, which is also the US’ 4th-largest sparkling wine brand. It said it is also seeing “impressive results” in Asia, particularly in Japan, as well as significant growth in Italy and Quebec.

Nicolas Feuillatte is the best selling Champagne brand in France and the third biggest marque globally behind Moët et Chandon and Veuve Clicquot, which are both owned by luxury goods conglomerate LVMH.

Although LVMH don’t release official volume sales figures for their drinks brands, it is believed that Moët et Chandon sells around 35m bottles annually, and Veuve Clicquot approximately 18m.