Selfridges Installs World’s First In-Store Champagne Vending Machine

suffLondon’s luxury department store Selfridges recently unveiled the world’s first champagne vending machine, offering its patrons mini bottles of Moet & Chandon for £17.99.

The Moet & Chandon champagne vending machine holds 350 chilled mini bottles, which are described as “Art Deco-inspired crystal minis.”

The vending machine fits the motif of Selfridge’s efforts to create a one-stop destination for luxury gifting, transforming the entire fourth floor of its flagship store on Oxford Street into a Christmas emporium.

Piper-Heidsieck hires UK Champagne Brand Ambassador Jean-Claude Di Lizia

Cecile Bonnefond, chief executive of Piper-Heidsieck has hired Jean-Claude Di Lizia, a dedicated UK Champagne brand ambassador to sell Piper-Heidsieck’s five champagne products in Britain.

Bonnefond, who ran Veuve Clicquot for nine years, said: “The UK is very sophisticated when it comes to champagne and the UK sets the tempo. It is a very important market for us – number two after France. We hope to grow our distribution and brand here.”

Bonnefond, who joined the French family-owned Societe Europeenne de Participations Industrielles (EPI) last year when it bought Piper-Heidsieck from spirits group Remy Cointreau, is restructuring the business and plans to take the brand more upmarket.

Bonnefond has recently launched “Black Cancan” designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier which was sold at Selfridges.

 

Liz Palmer

@Champagnehouses