France-Champagne sales hit by crisis.

FRANCE.

CHAMPAGNE SALES DOWN.

It appears no one in the farming sector has escaped the affects of the global financial crisis, from pig and poultry farmers to the vineyards of France.

Champagne sales during the first 10 months of 2008, indicated a drop of 4.9 %, after record sales in 2007 of 338 million bottles. The figures were released by the Champagne wine board, who say there are 23% less bottles in cellars this year than last year.

This is the first time in 20 years, that champagne sales have declined, year on year, what has saved the industry albeit rather unique, is the fact that champagne have no problems with over production