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Quarter of Brits don’t know where Champagne comes from
Despite the British public’s love of Champagne, one in four of them do not know where the fine French fizz comes from, according to a study from Estrella Galicia.
The UK is the second biggest market for Champagne in terms of both volume (25.5 million) and value (€550.2m) according to figures from the Comité Champagne, just falling behind the US. Furthermore, according to a YouGov poll from 2022, Champagnes figure prominently in the rankings of the most popular wine brands this side of the channel, with Moët & Chandon (4), Dom Pérignon (5) and Bollinger (7) all featuring in the top 10.
And yet, despite this love affair with the traditional method sparkling, it appears that a high proportion (25%) of UK consumers are not aware that Champagne hails from the Champagne region in France.
It isn’t just the origins of Champagne that remain a mystery to many – the same study, which surveyed 2,000 British adults, found that 29% didn’t know that Sangria is Spanish, and 26% were unaware of where Coca Cola comes from, and 64% did not know that tea is originally Chinese (10% even thought it was British). Estrella Galicia also found that, despite the second part of its name being the region of Spain where the brewer is based, one in 10 didn’t know its origins either.
16% of those polled blamed drink manufacturers for not clearly labelling their products with the place of origin – a charge which certainly can’t be levelled against Champagne. 74% supported the notion of having where the product has come from made clear on the packaging.
“Within our industry specifically, products can appear to be brewed and bottled abroad, when actually they’re made in the UK,” argued Estrella Galicia spokesperson Aitor Artaza. “So to be sure you’re getting what you expect, whether that’s beer or other produce, always check the label.”
“Understanding the origin of our food and drink is not just about curiosity, it’s about empowerment,” he suggested.
Related reading:
Why did Champagne shipments fall by 27m bottles in 2023?
Last orders: British general sent home for drinking Champagne