Centre Vinicole, the co-operative behind the brand, called 2012 its “second most successful performance ever” -  with sales of 9.5 million bottles of Champagne, 9.1 million of which were under the Nicolas Feuillatte brand. Financial results confirming this performance are to be published at the AGM in May.

The co-operative said in a statement: “Centre Vinicole has continued to pursue its premiumisation and positioning strategies. In doing so, despite a 6% fall in volume, the Nicolas Feuillatte brand has retained its value."

The co-operative said it will pursue the same strategy throughout 2013.

“2012 has been paramount to the continued, methodical growth of the brand, which has rapidly risen to the number one Champagne brand in France and featuring among the top five internationally. Quite apart from the multiple operational decisions essential given this unstable economic climate, the Centre Vinicole’s significant long term commitments aim to secure the continued success of the company, and its members and partners.”

Additionally, Centre Vinicole said it will back Champagne’s application to become a UNESCO World Heritage site.