Beverages: The UK shows preference for rosé Champagne
- InsightTrendsWorld
- 3 days ago
- 10 min read
Why it is the topic trending:
Strong Growth in Rosé Champagne: Both value and volume sales of rosé Champagne have significantly increased in the UK in early 2025.
Outperforming Total Champagne Market: While the overall Champagne market in the UK saw a decline in 2024, rosé Champagne is showing a positive trend in 2025.
Outperforming Sparkling Wine Category: Rosé Champagne's value growth is significantly higher than that of the broader sparkling wine category in the same period.
Post-Holiday Sales Boost: The growth occurred after Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, suggesting sustained demand beyond traditional celebratory periods.
Price Stability in Rosé: Despite volume growth, the average bottle price of rosé Champagne has slightly increased, indicating strong demand without the need for heavy discounting.
Overview:
The article by Giles Fallowfield discusses the recent performance of the Champagne market in the UK, with a particular focus on the significant growth experienced by rosé Champagne in the first few months of 2025. Despite an overall decline in total Champagne shipments to the UK in 2024, the rosé category has shown impressive gains in both value and volume. The article analyzes Nielsen off-trade data, comparing the performance of rosé Champagne to the broader sparkling wine category and highlighting its resilience and increasing popularity among UK consumers.
Detailed Findings:
Rosé Champagne Growth: Value sales of rosé Champagne in the UK off-trade were up by 11%, and volume sales were up by 10% in the year-to-date period ending April 19, 2025.
Total Champagne Market Decline (2024): In 2024, total Champagne shipments to the UK fell by 5.7% in volume and 12.7% in value.
"White" Champagne Growth (2025): Value of total 'white' Champagne was up 8% in the year to date to April 19, 2025, with volume growth slightly ahead at +11%.
Rosé Champagne Market Share: Pink Champagne accounted for 15% of total Champagne sales by value during the period.
Average Bottle Price: The average price of a single bottle of 'white' Champagne increased slightly, while the average bottle price of rosé Champagne also saw a small increase from £37.52 in 2024 to £37.92 in 2025.
Outperformance of Sparkling Wine: The overall sparkling wine category (including rosé and white) only saw a value growth of 4% in the same period, indicating that rosé Champagne is a strong performer within the broader category.
English Sparkling Wine Growth: The much smaller English Sparkling wine category also experienced significant growth, with volume up by 17% and value by 15%.
Brand Performance (2024): The article also mentions the performance of specific Champagne brands in 2024, with some major brands declining while others like Taittinger, Nicolas Feuillatte, Pol Roger, and Bollinger showed volume growth. Private label also saw significant growth.
Key Success Factors of Product (Trend):
Consumer Preference: There is a clear and growing preference among UK consumers for rosé Champagne.
Perceived Luxury and Celebration: Rosé Champagne is often associated with celebration and special occasions, making it a preferred choice.
Lower Discounting Needed: The volume growth being slightly behind value growth suggests strong demand that doesn't require deep discounts, maintaining its premium image.
Outperforming Alternatives: Rosé Champagne's stronger growth compared to other sparkling wines indicates a specific appeal to consumers.
Seasonal Alignment: While not the sole driver, its popularity around Valentine's Day and Mother's Day contributes to its sales.
Association with Celebration: Rosé Champagne is often seen as the drink of choice for special occasions and celebrations, driving its popularity.
Visual Appeal: The distinctive pink color is visually appealing and festive, making it a preferred option for social gatherings and gifting.
Perceived Sophistication: Compared to other sparkling wines, rosé Champagne might be viewed as a more sophisticated, premium, and trendy beverage choice.
Effective Marketing and Increased Availability: Champagne houses and retailers have likely been successful in promoting rosé Champagne, and its wider availability makes it easier for consumers to purchase.
Social Influence and Global Trends: Trends on social media and the overall increasing popularity of rosé wines globally likely contribute to the UK's growing preference.
Key Takeaway:
Despite a general downturn in the total Champagne market in the UK, rosé Champagne is experiencing significant growth in both value and volume in early 2025, outperforming both 'white' Champagne and the broader sparkling wine category. This suggests a strong and increasing preference for pink fizz among UK consumers.
Main Trend:
The UK's Blooming Love for Rosé Champagne
Description of the Trend (please name it):
Pink Fizz Ascendant: This trend highlights the increasing popularity and strong sales performance of rosé Champagne in the UK market during the first months of 2025. It signifies a growing consumer preference for pink sparkling wine over other styles within the Champagne category and the broader sparkling wine sector, indicating a notable shift in consumption patterns.
What is Consumer Motivation:
Taste Preference: Consumers simply enjoy the taste and characteristics of rosé Champagne.
Celebratory Drink: It's often chosen for special occasions and celebrations.
Visual Appeal: The pink color can be particularly attractive and festive.
Perceived Sophistication: Rosé Champagne might be seen as a more sophisticated or trendy choice compared to other sparkling wines.
Versatility: It pairs well with a variety of foods, making it suitable for different occasions.
What is Driving Trend:
Effective Marketing: Champagne houses and retailers may be effectively promoting rosé Champagne.
Increased Availability: Wider availability in stores and restaurants makes it easier for consumers to purchase.
Social Influence: Trends on social media and among influencers might be contributing to its popularity.
Perceived Value: Consumers might see the price point of rosé Champagne as justified by its quality and image.
Seasonal Factors (Partially): While not the only driver, holidays like Valentine's Day and Mother's Day likely contribute.
What is Motivation Beyond the Trend:
Beyond immediate preferences and circumstances:
Exploring Different Wine Styles: Consumers may be seeking variety within the sparkling wine category.
Personal Expression: Choosing rosé Champagne might be a way to express individuality or celebrate personal milestones.
Following Global Trends: Rosé wines have been increasingly popular globally, and this trend may be influencing the UK market.
Description of Consumers Article is Referring To:
The article refers to UK consumers who purchase Champagne in the off-trade market (retail stores).
Who are them: UK consumers who buy Champagne from retail outlets.
What kind of products they like: Champagne, specifically rosé Champagne, and sparkling wine in general.
What is their age?: Not explicitly specified.
What is their gender?: Not explicitly specified.
What is their income?: Likely includes consumers who are willing to spend on Champagne, which is generally a premium product.
What is their lifestyle: Could include individuals celebrating special occasions, those who enjoy entertaining at home, or those who appreciate fine wines.
What are their category article is referring shopping preferences: Champagne (rosé and white) and sparkling wine purchased in retail stores.
Are they low, occasional or frequent category shoppers: Likely ranges from occasional purchasers for celebrations to more frequent buyers who appreciate sparkling wine.
What are their general shopping preferences-how they shop: The article focuses on off-trade data, suggesting these consumers purchase from supermarkets, wine shops, etc.
Conclusions:
Rosé Champagne is a standout performer in the UK sparkling wine market in early 2025, indicating a strong consumer preference that is driving significant value and volume growth.
Implications for Brands (Champagne Houses):
Focus on Rosé Production and Marketing: Given the strong demand, Champagne houses should consider increasing rosé Champagne production and tailoring marketing efforts towards the UK market.
Highlight Premium Rosé Offerings: Emphasize the quality and unique characteristics of their rosé Champagnes.
Consider Distribution Strategies: Ensure rosé Champagne is widely available in the UK off-trade.
Implication for Retailers:
Increase Rosé Champagne Inventory: Retailers in the UK should stock a sufficient quantity and variety of rosé Champagne to meet consumer demand.
Promote Rosé Champagne: Highlight rosé Champagne in promotions and displays, especially around celebratory occasions.
Implications for Consumers:
Wider Availability of Rosé Champagne: Consumers can expect to find a broader selection of rosé Champagne in retail stores.
Potentially Stable Prices: The balance between volume and value growth suggests prices may remain relatively stable.
Implication for Future:
Continued Growth of Rosé Champagne in the UK: The current trend suggests that rosé Champagne will continue to be a popular choice among UK consumers.
Potential Impact on Overall Champagne Market Share: The increasing popularity of rosé could influence the overall market share dynamics within the Champagne category in the UK.
Consumer Trend (name, detailed description):
Name: The Rosé Refinement
Detailed Description: UK consumers are showing an increasingly refined taste for rosé sparkling wine, specifically Champagne, indicating a move beyond just any sparkling rosé towards a preference for the quality and prestige associated with Champagne.
Consumer Sub Trend (name, detailed description):
Name: Pink for Every Occasion
Detailed Description: The popularity of rosé Champagne extends beyond traditional celebratory periods, suggesting that consumers are choosing it for a wider range of occasions and as a preferred style rather than just a seasonal treat.
Big Social Trend (name, detailed description):
Name: Elevated Everyday Experiences
Detailed Description: Consumers are increasingly seeking to elevate everyday experiences, and choosing a premium beverage like rosé Champagne, even for less formal occasions, reflects this desire for a touch of luxury.
Worldwide Social Trend (name, detailed description):
Name: The Global Rosé Renaissance
Detailed Description: The increasing popularity of rosé wine, in various forms including sparkling, is a global phenomenon, and the UK's preference for rosé Champagne aligns with this broader trend.
Social Drive (name, detailed description):
Name: The Pursuit of Delight and Sensory Pleasure
Detailed Description: Consumers are fundamentally driven by the desire for sensory pleasure and enjoyment, and the appealing color, taste, and effervescence of rosé Champagne strongly contribute to this drive.
Learnings for brands to use in 2025:
Recognize the UK Market's Love for Rosé Champagne: Tailor strategies specifically for this strong preference.
Emphasize the Quality and Heritage of Your Rosé Offerings: Highlight what makes your rosé Champagne stand out.
Ensure Consistent Availability in the UK Off-Trade: Make it easy for consumers to find and purchase your rosé Champagne.
Consider Targeted Marketing Campaigns for the UK: Develop campaigns that resonate with UK consumers' preferences.
Monitor the Performance of Rosé Compared to Other Styles: Stay informed about the evolving dynamics of the UK Champagne market.
Strategy Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025:
Allocate More Resources to Rosé Champagne Production for the UK Market: Based on the strong demand.
Develop UK-Specific Marketing Campaigns Highlighting Rosé: To further capitalize on the trend.
Collaborate with UK Retailers on Rosé Champagne Promotions: To increase visibility and sales.
Consider Introducing New or Limited-Edition Rosé Champagne Offerings for the UK: To generate excitement and cater to evolving tastes.
Track the Performance of English Sparkling Rosé: As it is also growing, to understand the competitive landscape.
Final sentence (key concept) describing main trend from article (which is a summary of all trends specified):
The significant growth in both value and volume sales of rosé Champagne in the UK during early 2025 firmly establishes the nation's clear and strengthening preference for pink fizz within the sparkling wine category.
What brands & companies should do in 2025 to benefit from trend and how to do it:
In 2025, Champagne houses should recognize the pronounced preference for rosé Champagne in the UK market and strategically adjust their production and marketing efforts to capitalize on this trend. This includes ensuring a consistent and ample supply of high-quality rosé Champagne for the UK off-trade, developing targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with UK consumers' tastes and occasions for enjoying pink fizz, and collaborating closely with UK retailers to maximize visibility and promotional opportunities for their rosé offerings. By focusing on this burgeoning demand, Champagne brands can strengthen their position in a key export market.
Final Note: Core Trend
Name: UK's Rosé Champagne Reign
Detailed Description: The dominant and growing preference of UK consumers for rosé Champagne within the sparkling wine category.
Final Note: Core Strategy
Name: Rosé-Centric UK Market Approach
Detailed Description: Champagne brands should adopt a UK-specific strategy that prioritizes and emphasizes their rosé Champagne offerings.
Final Note: Core Industry Trend
Name: Sparkling Rosé Dominance in UK
Detailed Description: The increasing trend of rosé sparkling wine, particularly Champagne, leading the growth in the UK market.
Final Note: Core Consumer Motivation
Name: Preference for Pink Celebration
Detailed Description: UK consumers are increasingly motivated by their taste preference for and association of rosé Champagne with celebratory and enjoyable occasions.
Final Conclusion:
The data clearly indicates that the UK market has a strong and growing appetite for rosé Champagne. Champagne houses and retailers who recognize and cater to this preference in 2025 are likely to see significant success in this key export market.
Core Trend Detailed:
Description: UK's Rosé Champagne Reign signifies the clear and increasingly dominant preference of UK consumers for rosé Champagne within the broader sparkling wine category. This trend is evidenced by significant growth in both value and volume sales in early 2025, outperforming other styles of Champagne and sparkling wine, indicating a strong and sustained consumer affinity for pink fizz.
Key Characteristics of the Trend:
Significant Value Growth: The 11% increase in value sales in early 2025 highlights the strong consumer spending on rosé Champagne.
Strong Volume Growth: A 10% rise in volume indicates that more bottles of rosé Champagne are being purchased by UK consumers.
Outperformance of Total Champagne Market: While the overall Champagne market declined in 2024, rosé is showing positive momentum.
Outperformance of Sparkling Wine Category: Rosé Champagne's growth exceeds the 4% value growth of the total sparkling wine category.
Stable Average Bottle Price: The slight increase in average bottle price despite volume growth suggests strong demand without heavy discounting.
Market and Cultural Signals Supporting the Trend:
Nielsen Off-Trade Data: The analysis of retail sales data provides a reliable measure of consumer purchasing behavior.
Post-Holiday Sales Strength: Continued growth after Valentine's Day and Mother's Day indicates sustained demand.
Consumer Reports and Preferences: Anecdotal evidence and market research likely also support the growing popularity of rosé.
Social Media Trends: Visual appeal of rosé Champagne makes it popular on platforms like Instagram.
Restaurant and Bar Offerings: Increased presence of rosé Champagne on menus likely reflects consumer demand.
How the Trend Is Changing Consumer Behavior:
Prioritizing Rosé for Celebrations: Consumers are increasingly choosing rosé Champagne for special occasions.
More Frequent Consumption: The growth beyond holiday periods suggests it's becoming a more regular choice.
Willingness to Spend More: The stable average price indicates consumers are willing to pay for rosé Champagne.
Exploring Different Rosé Champagne Brands: Consumers might be becoming more discerning and trying various producers.
Potentially Shifting Away from Other Sparkling Wine Styles for Certain Occasions: Rosé Champagne is taking precedence over other options for some consumers.
Implications Across the Ecosystem:
For Brands and CPGs: Champagne houses should prioritize rosé production and marketing for the UK market.
For Retailers: Stocking and promoting rosé Champagne will be crucial to meet consumer demand.
For Consumers: Expect wider availability and potentially more competitive pricing over time if demand continues to rise.
Strategic Forecast:
Rosé Champagne will likely continue to be a key growth driver in the UK sparkling wine market.
Champagne houses may increase their focus on innovation within the rosé category to cater to evolving tastes.
The trend could influence other markets as the UK's preference becomes more widely known.
Expect continued strong performance in the off-trade, and potentially increased presence in the on-trade as well.
The success of rosé Champagne might inspire other sparkling wine regions to focus more on their rosé offerings for the UK market.
Final Thought (summary):
The significant and sustained increase in both value and volume sales of rosé Champagne in the UK during the first months of 2025 underscores a clear and growing consumer preference for pink fizz, positioning it as a leading and resilient segment within the broader sparkling wine market.
Comments