Asda Champagne sales are up

Supermarket chain Asda is reporting an increase in sales of Champagne which they say is bucking the overall market trend of decreasing sales. According to data from AC Nielsen, Asda said Champagne sales at its stores rose by 4.5% in the 12 weeks to 4 October 2008, helped by more affluent consumers coming through its doors and promotions aimed at making Champagne more accessible to all.

The increase doesn’t necessarily mean the supermarket is immune from the credit crunch in this category; Champagne sales are peaking after the end-of-month pay day and then dropping during the middle of the month when customers have less money to spend.