Another grim sign of the global economy comes from the Comite Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne, the Champagne producers' professional body. The Times Online reports that the committee has released its most recent figures which show that Champagne sales are down for the first time in almost a decade. In eight months, global sales have fallen by 2.6 percent. Exports to the States have really plummeted, down by 22 per cent in the first half of the year compared to the same period in 2007. Sales in the UK are also down but only by 4 percent, and the French consumption of Champagne fell by 4.2 percent. This may actually be a little bit of good news for Champagne producers who have been struggling to keep up with demand for the past few years. Also it may allow time for vineyards in the newly assigned Champagne districts to flourish before an increase in cork popping begins anew.