Christmas Champagne sales rocket

Sales of Champagne surged over the Christmas period, say UK high street retailers.

Figures released today show that, in most cases, supermarkets and wine retailers posted huge sales increases leading up to, and over, the festive period.

J Sainsbury reported a massive 3,000% increase in its own-brand Champagne sales in the month leading up to Christmas. Wm Morrison also saw 40% increase in its Champagne sales.

In all, own-brand Champagnes, including those from Tesco and Marks & Spencer posted some of the best sales.

High street wine retailer Majestic said its sales of Champagne had gone up by 17% – a figure some analysts see as ‘encouraging’ in the light of the much-publicised Thresher 40%-off promotion in the first weeks of December. Thresher has yet to post its results.

UK consumers spent an estimated £10.3bn over Christmas, with Champagne and organic fruit and vegetables showing the strongest growth.

Written by Oliver Styles