English winemaker Chapel Down has reported strong results for the six-month period ended on 30 June 2026, which was significantly ahead of the prior year’s earnings.

The business achieved a net sales revenue increase of 19 per cent to £9.4m compared to £7.9m in the same period last year.

The company’s results were in line with management expectations, which reflects continued progress across all the channels.

Chapel Down’s off-trade net sales revenue increased by 18 per cent to £4.4m, and the brand extended its position in the English sparkling wine category, which saw strong double-digit growth that period.

The brand’s on-trade net sales revenue grew by 18 per cent to £1.5m, with a distribution growth of 6 per cent.

The direct-to-consumer channel’s net sales revenue went up by 4 per cent to £2.5m, and the business gained 3,838 new customers on its website during the period.

The company secured a partnership with US winemaker Jackson Family Wines and was listed at 250 Whole Foods Market nationwide, which boosted international net sales revenue by 66 per cent to £0.8m.

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Moving forward, Chapel Down is focused on delivering strong double-digit growth and is confident in its ability to deliver full-year results in line with market expectations.

The business stated that weather conditions during the 2026 growing season have been variable, and the company expects that the overall yield will be broadly in line with the 5-year average.

However, over the first half, the company’s net debt increased to £14m compared to £11.3m in the year prior.

James Pennefather, CEO of Chapel Down said: “Chapel Down’s strong momentum in 2025 has continued as we took market share in a growing category.

“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.

“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. “