PARIS (Reuters), France’s champagne producers will toast to record sales this year, a surprising turnaround in last year’s pandemic-related problems that has made them feel more confident about their ability to withstand the Omicron variant.

Jean-Marie Barillere of UMC Champagne Industry Group, stated that 2021 sales will reach a record 5.5 billion euro ($6.2 billion). This is higher than the previous peak of 5billion euros just two years prior to the coronavirus pandemic.

He stated, “It has been enormous and so unexpected that there have been some breakdowns within the supply chain, as in all other products at present.”

Some champagne enthusiasts might feel short-changed by this year’s festive season due to the rush for the sparkling wine.

According to Nielsen, Champagne had already shown the highest out-of stock levels among all major categories of grocery in French supermarkets by November 1, according to data specialists.

Benoit Melendez also sees deliveries of some suppliers drying up in his champagne cellar located centrally Paris.

“My fear, and that of my customers who want specific things (…) by December 31, is not being able to please them.”

Champagne producers have large supplies of champagne that they can tap to make new bottles.

According to Melendez, the incredible 2021 sales result from the pressure to make availability available. Some producers have raised prices during the year.

As consumers regained their freedom from the previous wave of pandemic lockdowns, champagne consumption is a sign of an economic recovery.

However, investors and economists worry that Omicron could cause activity to slow down again, especially in Europe where governments have instituted new locking measures. [MKTS/GLOB]

Barillere, however, sees the home as a place to be happy, and this was nurtured by the pandemic. Melendez shares that view.

Melendez stated that “Since vaccines and the ending of summer, people’ve been saying we have to live with it and that simply means living.”

($1 = 0.8862 euros)