Crémant gains popularity in UK as Tesco reports 73% sales increase

Value-led premiumisation and growing interest in regional exploration are driving growth in French sparkling wines.

Crémant is a rapidly growing segment within the UK sparkling wine market, with Tesco data showing a +73% year-on-year increase in sales across its Crémant range.

The growth reflects a broader shift in consumer behaviour, as shoppers continue to reassess their spending while still seeking premium experiences, driving demand for high-quality alternatives to Champagne. At the same time, the category is benefiting from growing interest in regional exploration, as consumers become more confident in moving beyond familiar sparkling styles and engaging with regions such as Alsace, the Loire, and Burgundy.

“What’s interesting is that shoppers aren’t just trading differently, they’re exploring more. People are buying Crémant from Bordeaux one week and Loire the next. It’s the ideal purchase for the current market: it feels like Champagne, but it’s priced for everyday use” says Denis Courault, director of Crémant at Les Grands Chais de France.

This value-led trend is reshaping the category. Shoppers are increasingly moving across price tiers, shifting away from entry-level Prosecco while seeking more affordable expressions of traditional-method sparkling wines, and exploring the distinct identities of various French regions.

Market data supports this shift. UK Crémant volumes reached 6.3 million bottles in 2025 (+22% YoY), and its share of French exports to the UK has more than doubled in recent years, rising from 1.2% in 2019 to 3.1% in 2025.

Within the segment, Crémant de Loire remains the largest contributor, while Crémant d’Alsace is driving the fastest growth, highlighting growing interest in regional styles. With an average price of around £10, Crémant sits in a highly competitive sweet spot, offering traditional-method credentials at an accessible price.

Producers such as Groupe Grands Chais de France (GCF) are well placed to capitalise on both the value and discovery trends, with a broad Crémant portfolio spanning key regions. GCF’s range, including Louis Couturier, Calvet, and Moillard, reflects this growing appetite for regional exploration across UK retail.

“Crémant is moving from a niche offering to a strategic category for UK retailers. It delivers premium cues at an accessible price point, and the diversity of regions gives retailers real scope to develop discovery-led ranges. We’re seeing growth not only in the core appellations but also across lesser-known regions, driving both trade-up and repeat purchases” adds Courault.

Retailers are responding by expanding their ranges, investing in premium formats such as rosé and blanc de blancs, and boosting in-store visibility, with further growth expected as awareness and exploration continue to rise.