French exports of wine and spirits have fallen
|
French overseas sales have been faced with their biggest annual decline of 17% despite being the biggest export of wines and spirits.
Champagne was one of the most affected drinks, which suffered a 28% decline in exports. Global sales of the French brandy Cognac had also declined by 15.6% and sales of French wines and spirits generally fell 20.2% in the UK.
The Federation of French Wine and Spirits Exporters blamed the global recession for the drop. They also pointed out that US and UK consumers were turning to cheaper New World brands. Earlier this year it was revealed that sparkling Prosecco had an increase in sales too, as a cheaper alternative.
Meanwhile in the US, imports of French beverages fell 22.7% in 2009, with a boost from the sales of French vodka. Exports for this grew by 13.7%, thanks to the popularity of the upmarket brand Grey Goose.
Now that the worst of the financial crisis is over, the federation is looking forward to 2010. It expects the number of global exports to rise again.
| 
Win £75 to spend on designer shoes!
Win a box of Jelly Belly beans!