Henkell Freixenet eyes growth as 2025 sales stall at €1.25bn

The sparkling wine giant saw flat sales in 2025, but strong performances in Prosecco, Crémant and no-alcohol products flag future growth opportunities. db finds out more.

German-based drinks giant, Henkell Freixenet, has recorded a flat 2025, with revenue lifting by just 0.5%. The sparkling wine arm of the Oetker Collection, saw revenue hit €1.25 billion (£1.08 bn) in 2025, in what the company dubbed a “challenging market with declining performance in some segments and significant currency effects”.

Despite a challenging market environment defined by a turbulent global economy, high supply chain costs and strained consumer spending, the company delivered stable results, after doubling down on the focus on its core brands.

“The global sparkling wine and wine market declined in 2025, yet certain sub-segments – including Prosecco, Crémant, non-alcoholic sparkling wines, and aperitifs – grew, where our strong brands and targeted innovations enabled us to positively influence our performance,” said Dr. Andreas Brokemper, CEO of Henkell Freixenet. 

Speaking to the drinks business, a Henkell Freixenet spokesperson added that these segments benefit from social trends, such as “‘lifestyle and socialising’, more conscious consumption and the desire for inspiring and contemporary moments of enjoyment”.

Growth drivers in 2025 included Prosecco, Cremant, Non-Alcoholic and Aperitivo. Overall, the Prosecco market grew by 2%, while Mionetto, the world’s best-selling Prosecco brand grew even faster – scoring 3% revenue growth.

“Through targeted innovations in these areas, Henkell Freixenet will reinforce these trends with new momentum,” the spokesperson said. “We are strategically strengthening our brands, investing in innovation, and continuously assessing where we need to adapt our processes, structures, and go-to-market approaches to a changing environment.”

Swings and roundabouts

The brand’s expansion into the aperitivo segment was robust, with Mionetto Aperitivo launched in more than 15 countries in just two years.

However, at the same time, the world’s leading fizz brand, Freixenet, contracted by 4 % in revenue at overall brand level, mainly due to performance in the Cava segment – despite gains in Prosecco and Italian rosé.

The firm said that the drought of recent years in the Penedès region has significantly impacted Cava production, and weak or partially failed harvests have piled pressure on availability, costs and pricing. The tariff situation in the U.S. has also hit its Cava business. 

“The good news is that rainfall has increased again, the harvest turned out better, and the conditions for the 2026 harvest are favourable, even though it is still likely to remain below the long-term average,” continued Brokemper. “Despite these challenges, demand for Cava remains strong. We see opportunities above all in markets where consumers value Cava as a high-quality sparkling wine produced using the traditional method,” he added.

Celebrating Crémant

A key growth driver in the international sparkling wine market in 2025 was the emerging Crémant category, with global Crémant sales surging by 7.5 % in 2025. 

With its Crémant brand Gratien Meyer, Henkell Freixenet is strongly positioned in this trending segment. Last year, the winery shared its long-term plans for vineyard overhaul with db, with a 15-year strategy aimed at increasing Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay plantings to tap into the global thirst for Crémant . The brand grew by 14 % in revenue, significantly outpacing the overall category, and is among the leading international Crémant brands. 

Fuelled by demand in key markets such as France, Germany and the United Kingdom, the company is optimistic about this growth trend.

Big success for low and no segment

The demand for non-alcoholic products continues to climb, representing another bright spot for the drinks company which has seen demand increase for non-alcoholic alternatives.

Products such as Mionetto 0.0%, Freixenet 0.0%, and Mionetto Aperitivo Non-Alcoholic also proved to be growth drivers, recording an increase of 18%. 

This growth was achieved across all regions, with key markets including Germany, the U.S., Poland, France and the UK.

Brokemper added: “The development of non-alcoholic products will play an important role for the company in the future alongside our core business with alcoholic products. 

“We view the category as complimentary to our existing portfolio, where our high-quality products and well-thought-out product concepts spark enthusiasm for non-alcoholic enjoyment.”

“With our numerous non-alcoholic innovations, such as the Freixenet Diamond Range 0.0% and non-alcoholic aperitivo variants, we consider ourselves very well positioned in this growing market.”

International outlook

In addition, the strategic partnership with Korbel, one of the oldest sparkling wine houses in the U.S., strengthens Henkell Freixenet’s position in the U.S. As part of the partnership, Henkell Freixenet has been responsible for Korbel’s global sales, marketing, and distribution since July 1, 2025. At the end of last year, Brokemper told db the deal was his biggest achievement of 2025.

“The U.S. is our second-largest sparkling wine market after Germany. We expect subdued consumption due to tariff policies and the resulting price increases, but we have a strong portfolio with brands such as Mionetto, Freixenet, and Segura Viudas – and now Korbel as well,” Brokemper added.

Future growth strategy

Looking to the future, Brokemper outlines the strategy for the remainder of 2026:  “This year will also be demanding, as developments in the first few months of the year have already shown. 

“Nevertheless, we are optimistic: our brands are strongly positioned in growth markets such as Prosecco, Aperitivo, Crémant and non- alcoholic beverages, and we have an extensive innovation pipeline ranging from Mionetto Orange Spritz RTS to Freixenet Solare and the Freixenet Diamond 0.0% range.”

As a family-owned company, he affirmed that Henkell Freixenet is focused on sustainable growth. “Our broad portfolio of sparkling wine, wine, and spirits products gives us the flexibility we need to respond quickly to trends, mitigate challenges, and generate growth across different markets. This means we are well-positioned for 2026.”

Strong brands, high-quality offering

Speaking to db, the company acknowledged that the tense global political situation, high costs throughout the entire supply chain, and increasing demands for digitalization and documentation continue to shape the market environment.

However, they added: “Consumers’ desire for enjoyment, social interaction, and positive moments remains strong. Although consumers are acting more consciously due to losses in real income resulting from rising costs, they continue to base their purchasing decisions on brand and quality.

“This behaviour underscores the relevance of strong brands and high-quality product offerings, two pillars on which Henkell Freixenet has traditionally built its business.”

Related news

Dorset sparkling wine vineyard for sale for over £1m

Freixenet launches 'super-premium' alcohol-free sparkling wine

Zamora Company to distribute Bottega sparkling wines in Spain