French champagne hard sell on mainland

As global champagne consumption goes flat, makers of bubbly are turning to China to make up the difference. After all, cognac has become a huge hit there, and the country now accounts for 22 per cent of worldwide shipments, up from 5 per cent in 2000.

"We think China could change the champagne market in the coming years," said Charles-Armand de Belenet, head of marketing for the champagne division of Pernod Ricard. China is the second-biggest export market for Pernod's Mumm brand and No 3 for sister label Perrier Jouet.

via Business feed http://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/1158636/french-champagne-hard-sell-mainland