Waitrose has revealed that the cost of living crisis has led to sales of Crémant sparkling wine hitting a record high after rising 29% over the past year.
Like Champagne, Crémant is produced in France using the same technique but is available at a much lower price point.
Alexandra Mawson, Waitrose Champagne & Sparkling Wine Buyer, said: “Champagne will always be the icon of the sparkling world, steeped in centuries of heritage and prestige and an absolute go-to for the most important celebrations like getting engaged. However, recent pressures on household finances have meant customers have looked to Crémant as a great value alternative for life’s more regular celebratory occasions.
“More people are also now aware of this French sparkling wine, which is produced using the same method as Champagne, but doesn’t hold the same price tag, as it’s made outside of the Champagne region with less restrictive ageing regulations. When confidence in personal finances increases, I expect to see sales of champagne increase.”
One in nine bottles of sparkling wine sold at Waitrose is now a crémant, with its two best-sellers being Cuvee Royale Brut Crémant de Limoux (£13.00) and Cave de Lugny Blanc de Blanc Crémant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blanc (£15.99).
