Normally, Champagne winemakers need to worry about things like the weather and the size and quality of the harvest. Nowadays, you also need to worry about getting bottles for your drops.
When the pandemic struck, many glassworks reduced production. Since then, demand has increased rapidly, but production has not increased as rapidly and it takes time for glassworks to reach full production. There are also bottlenecks in global transport. Then came the war in Ukraine, and even greater problems in obtaining materials because much was manufactured in Ukraine and Russia.
Christine Sevillano is president of an association of independent wine growers in Champagne. She says that they experience the same shortage everywhere in the area, but that it probably affects small and medium-sized producers harder than the big brands.
– It is true that it is a problem, but we also have problems when it comes to other materials such as lids for corks, paper, things like manure. It is a real problem not only due to a growing shortage but also due to rising prices, she says.
“Will be a price development”
Another problem is that manufacturing requires large amounts of energy, often gas, and even there prices have risen sharply. Similar problems have also been noticed in other industries, including windows for the construction industry and containers for medical equipment.
With regard to the beverage industry, a similar situation prevails in many countries. The Swedish brewing industry has asked people to order more glass to reduce the shortage. In Germany, the breweries are calling for the same thing, and have warned that there may be a shortage of beer bottles this summer. Some are looking at other solutions, such as plastic.
José Lieven’s family has run the same vineyard in Champagne for three generations. He believes that the pressure in the bottles makes it impossible to use plastic. And higher prices and lower supply will ultimately make the drops more expensive.
– For consumers, it will be a price development, but that applies to the whole world. There is inflation everywhere with higher living costs, it is a reality, he says.