Market research
Burgundy wine producer Chanson investing EUR7m to nearly triple annual production capacity to more than 3m bottles.
The Bollinger-owned firm's new facilities are scheduled to be operational in time for next year's harvest.
Chanson, which markets 70% of its wines abroad, recorded a 15% fall in global sales in the first 11 months of the year, with shipments to the US market being hardest-hit, managing director Gilles Chaudron de Courcel told just-drinks today (08 December).
"That this investment project is taking place at a time when the market demand has softened is coincidental," he said, calling the work "indispensable".
Sales were rising 10% year-on-year in the UK, boosted by Bollinger wine shipping subsidiary Mentzendorf, he said.
"The weak dollar earlier in the year was a heavy blow to our exports but the fact that it has strengthened in recent months means there is room for optimism as the year draws to a close."
Sectors: Wine