Champagne shortage hits the U.S.

As midnight approaches, many Americans are preparing to kiss 2021 goodbye by popping a few bottles of Champagne. Unfortunately, New Year’s Eve may not be quite as bubbly.

This has been quite a year for the U.S Economy, from manufacturing, retail, and transportation, the U.S has also experienced severe labor shortages. As the new year approaches, the Champagne industry is the latest victim, joining a long list of industries, causing the sparkling beverage to be harder to come by this holiday season.

The shortage can be attributed to several factors including the shipping crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic, diminished grape harvest production, labor and raw material shortages, port bottlenecks, and climate changes.

In 2020, coronavirus caused many shutdowns across the globe, including restaurants, nightclubs, and bars. In addition to business shutdowns, many were forced to postpone weddings, parties, and other celebratory events that usually call for the bubbly drink.

Lane Bates, Director of Cannatta’s Wine & Spirits Department said he noticed the shortage about six months into the coronavirus pandemic. “We really began to notice it last year, since then distribution issues have gotten worse and worse,” said Bates.

Bates said Champagne isn’t the only item beverage that has been in high demand with a short supply, rum, vodka, and cognacs are on the list of items hard to come by due to supply chain issues as well.

“It’s a lot of trouble getting products into the country, there’s an increase in demand for Champagne and premium products in general,” Bates continued, “People have started drinking higher-end products over the years, especially since the pandemic. They’re sitting at home, and instead of drinking a $20 bottle, they’ll drink a $50 bottle.”

This holiday season, brands like Moet & Chandon, Dom Perignon, and Veuve Clicquot, may not be as available as they were before the pandemic. Bates said consumers can expect a shortage of imported Champagne to continue over the next several years due to a lack of harvest production.