Remy's champagne sales sparkle

THE two-year hangover that has blighted champagne consumption since the millennium is finally over. Remy Cointreau, the French drinks group that claims the world's most 'unusual' champagne in Piper-Heidsieck and the classy Charles Heidsieck sister brand, said that shipments were much improved in the first quarter of 2002, in a 'healthier' commercial environment.

The long-awaited pick-up comes after two years of slumping sales following over-stocking for the millennium celebrations.

Overall wine and champagne sales at Remy fell a further 20% in the year to 31 March, to just e140m (£86m) after a 36% slide in the previous year. But sparkling performances from other drinks compensated. Remy Martin cognac continued to help Americans recovery their spirits after 11 September and the Vietnamese rediscovered a taste for the favourite tipple of their one-time colonial masters. Brandy sales were ahead 1% to e380m.

The Cointreau liqueur forged ahead 10% whilst developing brands such as Pisang Ambon and Coebergh helped lift total liqueur sales to e174m.

But the group's acquisitive strategy is also delivering, with Bols vodka doing well, Metaxa Greek brandy in robust health and its Mount Gay rum the fashionable drink in France, where sales soared 20%. Overall, group sales were ahead 10% to e1.02bn.