Japanese sake earns place at France's top tables France is only the 11th largest market in the world for sake: total sales remain below two million euros ($2.2 million) per year. But its consumption is on the up -- imports increased by some 160 percent between 2012 and 2017. Anne-Sophie Pic -- head chef and owner of the eponymous restaurant group -- has won eight Michelin stars in her career, and she is a sake convert. She first used the drink in her recipes before adding it to the wine list. Other leading French hotels and restaurants are equally keen.\\n IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES