Chapel Down hails progress across all channels as H1 revenue rises

29th Jul 2026 13:03

(Sharecast News) - English winemaker Chapel Down reported a rise in first-half sales on Wednesday as it expressed confidence in meeting market expectations for the full year.

In the six months to the end of June, net sales revenue (NSR) rose 19% to £9.4m, in line with management expectations and reflecting continued progress across all channels, it said.

Off-trade NSR increased 18% to £4.4m as the company extended its category leadership position in the English sparkling wine category, which saw "strong" double digit growth in the period.

NSR in the on-trade business was up 18% at £1.5m, with distribution growth of 6% to 2,750 unique outlets.

In the international segment, net sales revenue grew 66% to £0.8m. The company said its US partnership with independent winemaker Jackson Family Wines was gaining traction, with Chapel Down now present in 31 states and a new listing secured in 250 Whole Foods Market stores nationwide.

Sales revenue in the direct to consumer segment was ahead 4% at £2.5m, with a gain of 3,838 new customers on Chapel Down's own brand website, and an increase to 63% in its returning customer rate.

Looking ahead, the winemaker said it remains focused on delivering strong double-digit growth and is confident it will deliver full-year results in line with market expectations for NSR of £22.1m and adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation of £3.7m.

Chief executive James Pennefather said: "We continue to be encouraged by the positive market dynamics we are seeing in the UK: increased adoption by millennials and the continued expansion of high value sparkling occasions away from their historic heartland of formal celebration occasions.

"Significant progress is being made in the US, where consumers are embracing the crisp, fresh style of sparkling wine that is our signature. With 1,000 acres of vineyards in Kent, Chapel Down has established itself as the leading brand in this exciting emerging category, and we remain confident that this provides a strong foundation for continued double digit growth."

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