IRI: Sparkling Wine Slowdown Ahead of OND

Dear Client:   The sparkling wine/Champagne category has been a bright spot amid declining wine sales. Indeed, sales for the category are up 8.6% and volumes are up about 4% year-to-date through October 3 in all IRI-measured channels.  However, in the latest 12 weeks through October 3, sales and volumes slipped into the red, -2% and -4.8%, respectively.  Looking at the top 25 sparkling/Champagne brands for the 12-week period, results are certainly a mixed bag, with a range of about