P.M. BRIEFING : Champagne Grape Prices Rise
Champagne grape prices for the 1990 harvest have been set 20% higher after a 30-year-old accord between growers and producers fell apart earlier this year.
The Champagne Producers Bureau, based in Epernay, said in a statement today that a reference grape price for this year’s harvest, beginning Monday, has been fixed at $6.10 per 2.2 pounds.
This year is the first time the Champagne region’s grape growers and houses that produce the famous sparkling wine have negotiated a free market price.
Earlier this year, a 30-year-old system of fixing a six-year fixed price for Champagne grapes fell apart under pressure from growers keen to cash on in rapid growth worldwide in Champagne consumption.
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