Americans in the USA are currently not showing any particular desire to consume champagne. Exports of the cult sparkling wine to the USA declined by a third in January.

It appears that with a view to the weak dollar and the poor economic conditions in the fallout of the sub-prime mortgage crisis, many US citizens have decided to forego champagne. Compared to the same month last year, sales in January declined by a significant thirty per cent; the last three months of 2007 had already seen a decline of 15 per cent.

While champagne houses had expected to see a decline, but seem to be surprised by the extent of this. At least bouyant sales in other parts of the world will help them weather the situation in the US market. (WF)