Ireland has never been drinking more champagne, apparently. Despite a cost-of-living crisis that’s hit wallets across the country, the Irish are popping champagne corks more than ever. Recently, sales by value hit an all-time high of €18.7 million, surpassing even the hedonistic days of Celtic Tiger.
Champagne consumption in Ireland increased by almost 1% from 2022 to 2023 in the number of bottles sold. It’s a slight rise, but significant given the global trend: overall champagne exports (by volume) dropped by 8.2% in 2023. We, however, seem unfazed as we continue to trade up from prosecco, cremant and cava to the OG.
Is it because of the housing crisis? Has many a millennial at the peak of their buying power, unable to buy a house, turned to champagne to cheer themselves up? While the love for bubbly is real, the cost of drinking it keeps rising. The average import cost per bottle jumped from €14.60 in 2000 to €23.70 in 2023, and that’s before taxes and duties. Ireland’s excise rate on sparkling wine and champagne is nearly double that of still wines, adding about €6.37 per bottle.
Today, Ireland’s love affair with champagne may be going strong, but as prices rise, the question remains: will we continue to sip on luxury, or will the bubble burst once again?
Words: Shamim De Brún
