PARIS, (Reuters) – Cognac sales soared by nearly a quarter last year as American drinkers and Chinese drinkers drank older vintages. It is the latest sign that premium drinks manufacturers are putting an end to the pandemic.

The value of brandy sold in France’s Cognac region grew by 31% to 3.6 billion euro ($4.1 billion), according to industry group BNIC.

Volumes rose by 16%, to 223.2 Million bottles.

BNIC stated that this growth was a reflection of a recovery in cognac and new consumption habits. It also noted that sales have increased compared to 2019, which occurred before the outbreak.

BNIC stated that the outlook for destinations worldwide should be positive over the next few months.

This news follows strong performance from several spirit companies and comes just months after France’s Champagne industry predicted record champagne sales for 2021.

Cognac sales in the United States, its biggest market, rose 11% with over 115 million bottles being shipped by 2021.

China was the second largest market for its products, with 56% more sales than China. China shipped 34 million bottles, and Europe sold 37.1 million.

Spirits group Remy Cointreau increased its full-year profit projection in late November after an improved first half. The strong demand for Remy Cointreau premium cognac in China and the United States drove this increase.

Pernod Ricard Martell cognac is also owned by (PA:). This was due to an increase in China sales.

BNIC reported that the 2021 harvest of 867,312 Hectolitres was well within the industry’s 10-year average. It should also support continued growth.

($1 = 0.8763 euros)