Coronavirus: the champagne sector calls on the government for help
The sector says it has accused during containment a loss of more than 30 million bottles.
FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI / AFP
Text by: RFI Follow
2 min
While champagne shipments are still lagging behind and estates are losing an average of 25%, the sector is calling on the government for payroll tax exemptions.
A call joined by the entire wine industry, Burgundy and Cognac in the lead.
Publicity
Read more
The harvest has just ended in Champagne and Damien Champy sighs.
Not of relief, but of dismay.
The coronavirus has knocked out everyone, notes the secretary general of the Champagne winegrowers' union.
“
We have never experienced such a crisis since World War II.
During the national and global containment, we had a loss of more than 30 million bottles, which is absolutely huge.
Today, it is estimated that the loss in turnover could amount to 1.5 billion euros,
”says Damien Champy.
End-of-year sales should help raise the bar, but strong promotions in supermarkets could undermine those hopes.
The producers therefore appeal to the government.
"
We wish to be accompanied, like other sectors, with a temporary exemption from social charges, the time to pass this violent course,
asks Maxime Toubart, president of the inter-profession.
We pay around 150 million euros per year in social charges in Champagne.
"
The entire wine industry is joining this call.
After aeronautics, it is wines and spirits that contribute the most to the balance of the French trade balance.
Newsletter
Receive all the international news directly in your mailbox
I subscribe
Follow all the international news by downloading the RFI application
google-play-badge_FR
France
Agriculture and Fishing