STORY:
Champagne Czars Say Buy Early

Champagne makers issue warnings of premium champange shortage

Y2K survivalists can add one more item to their stockpiles: premium champagne. Champagne makers say ordinary bubbly will be in ample supply for New Year's Eve, but those who are looking to bring in the millennium in style may need to adopt survivalist tactics.

Executives from Korbel, Taittinger, Freixenet, Piper Heidsieck, Schramsberg Vineyards and other top champagne and sparkling wine suppliers gathered in Tampa Florida August 18 for National Distributing Company's Action 2000, a symposium hosted for area restaurant and retail business owners to share insights into the beverage alcohol industry for the next century.

According to a conference press release, the champagne czars debated the extent of New Year's Eve shortages and ways to ensure consumers have access to better brands of bubbly. Their message is clear to both retailers and consumers; buy early.

"If consumers who usually drink champagne at New Year's have just one extra glass this New Year's Eve, the amount that is typically consumed on the holiday will rise by 60 percent," said Shai Froelich, executive vice president and managing director for National Distributing in Tampa. "Imagine what that number will jump to with the likely increase of new champagne drinkers. That was one of the major issues addressed at Action 2000," said Froelich in a press statement.

"Consumers may see a lot of secondary producers they've never heard of who are using the shortage of the premium brands as a way to break into the market," said Gary Gaines, Southeast group and division manager of Kobrand Corp.

So what should New Year's Eve revelers do to prepare? "Buy early," says Dave Fabozzi, director of fine wines for National Distributing in Tampa. "While you will likely be able to find champagne for sale the day before the millennium, you might not find that premium brand to toast the New Year in style. If you're not familiar with champagne and aren't sure which brand you like, start ordering it by the glass at restaurants. It's a great way to sample which brand suits your taste."

Source: National Distribution Company

DATE: 8/23/99

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