Champagne in China Seen Failing to Match Cognac Cachet

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 percent of worldwide shipments, up from 5 percent 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 SA. China is the second-biggest export market for Pernod’s Mumm brand and No. 3 for sister label Perrier Jouet.