The main objective of this plan is that Champagne remains always available, desirable and exemplary. In addition, the Comité Champagne will increase its annual budget by an additional €10 million (approx. £8.9 million), which will be invested in areas including R&D, sustainability and strengthening its foundational missions.  

“The investment we make embodies the social responsibility of our sector,” said David Chatillon, president of the Union des Maisons de Champagne and co-president of the Comité Champagne. “It is an absolute priority that Champagne remains an exceptional wine supported by a united, responsible and committed industry. It is a new goal at the service of new ambitions for our appellation and our terroir.” 

To meet the challenges of production and quality, the Champagne sector will be equipped with a new centre of research, development and innovation. This new site, which will be launched by 2025, will increase the surface area of the existing laboratory by 40%.

It will also contain new equipment, including a resized fermentation room/experimental cellar, a tasting room twice as large as the existing room, and a one-hectare experimental platform. 

Champagne is experimenting with new varietals, researching techniques to combat the various forms of decline in the vineyard, defining new soil maintenance protocols, and implementing new oenological strategies to anticipate the effects of climate change.

The region is also accelerating the implementation of its carbon plan to support the sector towards net-zero carbon by 2050, by reducing its emissions (with a target of 75% reduction in 2050), developing carbon sinks and, as a last resort, by offsetting unavoidable emissions.

“It’s not just about responding to changing consumer demands, it’s about ensuring the productivity and sustainability of the Champagne vineyards, designing and promoting a viticulture in balance with the ecosystem and producing a sufficient quantity of quality grapes,” said Maxime Toubart, president of the Syndicat Général des Vignerons and co-president of the Comité Champagne. 

The plan also aims to establish an impactful education ecosystem, with the goal to be recognised as a key player in Champagne training and education.