Chapel Down toasts bumper Christmas as earnings beat forecasts

(Sharecast News) - Shares in Chapel Down Group fizzed on Thursday, after a bumper festive season boosted sales and earnings at the English wine maker. Updating on trading, the AIM-listed business, which owns vineyards in Kent, said net sales revenue was on course to jump 19% in 2025 to £19.3m following a "strong" Christmas. Driving the growth was the off-trade - which saw revenues increase 38% - and a 49% surge in international sales.

Sparkling wines accounted for the majority of all sales.

Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation were slated to come in between £4m and £4.5m, also ahead of consensus. EBITDA in 2024 was £2.5m.

Chief executive James Pennefather said there had been "strong delivery" across the business during 2025.

He continued: "In spite of economic pressures, consumers are continuing to find reasons to celebrate, with over 1m bottles of [sparkling] wines despatched for the first time during 2025.

"We are seeing a generational shift into English sparkling wine, as millennials - who prefer a light, fresher, crisper style of wines - are increasingly adopting this category.

"To further capitalise on this trend, the board has taken the decision to slightly increase marketing investment in 2026 to build brand value, underpin premiumisation and deliver long-term growth."

As at 0945 GMT, shares in Chapel Down had put on 11% at 38.18p.