French champagne industry group to resume Russia exports September 15 - media

12 September 2021 - 12:00 By John Irish
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
The name "Champagne" has protected status in more than 120 countries, which reserve its use for sparkling wine from France's Champagne region.
The name "Champagne" has protected status in more than 120 countries, which reserve its use for sparkling wine from France's Champagne region.
Image: 123RF/MAKSIM SHEBEKO

France's champagne industry group will resume exports to Russia on Wednesday despite a Russian law forcing foreign champagne producers to add a "sparkling wine" reference to the back of their bottles, local media reported on Saturday.

The Interprofessional Champagne Wines Committee (CIVC) had asked its producers to boycott Russia following the introduction of the law last July.

Confirming a report by industry magazine Terre de Vins, Agence France Presse said the committee's leadership had decided to scrap the boycott believing they had made their point to Russian authorities and no longer wanted to harm their clients.

The name "Champagne" has protected status in more than 120 countries, which reserve its use for sparkling wine from France's Champagne region.

The French government had warned that it could seek redress through the World Trade Organisation.

The CIVC could not immediately be reached for comment.

Reuters


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now