The strong upturn in the Champagne industry in the first half of 2010 (sales are up 14%) is benefitting the Vranken-Pommery Champagne house, which has improved its 6-month turnover figure by 45.4% to 120.7 million Euros, compared to the same period last year. However, on a like-for-like basis, i.e. without the turnover of Listel, the group’s acquisition during the period, the growth is only 10.4%, a figure lower than the industry average. The growth accelerated in the second third of the year, in which the group produced turnover of 66.3 million Euros, surpassing predictions of 62 million from most industry analysts, and creating growth of 52.1% compared to the same period of last year.
‘‘The great turnover figures from the first half of 2010 show a return to sustained activity for Vranken-Pommery Monopole during this period, which marks the end of the crisis for Champagne.’’ declared the group’s management, optimistic about the sales developpment of all their brands for the rest of the financial year. ‘‘As a result of the financial crisis, consumers are looking towards less expensive brands, but as of now that phenomenon is subsiding. We are contributing to a return to the major brands and prestige vintages, whose high quality is traditionally more popular. ’’ announced Paul-François Vranken, the group’s president.