Exporting Wine to China: List of Wine Importers in China

China has seen a significant rise in the consumption of wine in recent years, leading to a growing demand for imported wines. As a result, there are numerous boutique wine importers operating in the country. These importers play a crucial role in the wine industry, bringing a diverse range of wines from all over the world to Chinese consumers. They work closely with wineries and distributors worldwide to source and import high-quality wines that cater to the preferences of Chinese wine enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a winery looking to expand into China’s wine market or a wine lover interested in exploring the world of imported wines, understanding the landscape of both wine producers and wine importers in China can be beneficial.

If you have any specific questions or need further assistance to export wine to China, feel free to ask!

The successful alcohol market in China

The alcohol market in China has experienced tremendous growth and success in recent years. With a population of over 1.4 billion people, China presents a massive consumer base for the alcohol industry, especially for the wine industry. Chinese consumers have shown an increasing interest in alcoholic beverages, both domestically produced and imported. Chinese are wine lovers.

One of the key factors contributing to the success of the alcohol market in China is the changing lifestyle and preferences of the Chinese population. As the country’s economy continues to flourish, more people have disposable income to spend on luxury goods, including alcohol and wine drinking.

Additionally, there has been a shift in social norms, with alcohol consumption becoming more socially acceptable and even seen as a status symbol.

China’s diverse geography and culture also play a significant role in the success of the alcohol market. Different regions have their own traditional alcoholic beverages, such as baijiu, rice wine, and craft beers.

This variety appeals to consumers who appreciate the unique flavors and cultural heritage associated with these drinks.

Furthermore, the rise of e-commerce and digital platforms has made it easier for consumers to access a wide range of alcoholic products. Online platforms provide convenience, extensive product choices, and often offer competitive prices.

This has opened up opportunities for both domestic and international alcohol brands to reach a wider audience in China.

The alcohol and wine market in a few numbers

• The Chinese wine market is forecast to expand from RMB 268.6 billion (US$42 billion) in 2021 to RMB 462.4 billion (US$72.2 billion) in 2026.
• Chinese adults drink more than 7 liters of alcohol annually.
• A population expected to drink 10 liters of alcohol annually by 2030!
• A consumption that will become higher than the US in the next years.
• 40% of China’s wine is imported.
• Over +4% of annual growth is expected in the next years.

What type of alcohol do Chinese consumers like?

Chinese consumers have diverse tastes when it comes to alcohol. One popular type of alcohol in China is baijiu, which is a strong distilled spirit. In fact, baijiu is the most consumed spirit in the world. It is typically made from grains such as sorghum, rice, wheat, or corn, and has a high alcohol content.

Another popular choice in China is rice wine, which is made from fermented rice. Rice wine is commonly consumed during festivals and special occasions. It has a milder taste compared to baijiu.

Beer is also a popular alcoholic beverage in China. There are many local and international beer brands available in the market, catering to different tastes and preferences. Chinese beer is often enjoyed during social gatherings and meals.

In addition to traditional Chinese spirits and beer, imported spirits like whiskey and vodka have gained popularity among Chinese consumers in recent years. These imported spirits are often seen as premium products and are favored by those who enjoy a different taste profile.

It’s important to note that preferences for alcohol can vary among different regions and individuals in China. Some regions may have their own specialty drinks or traditional alcoholic beverages that are popular locally. Additionally, personal preferences for alcohol can vary based on factors such as age, gender, and cultural background.

High-quality and high-priced alcohols are warmly welcomed in China (eg. Australian wine exports are growing). There is also a potential market for sweet wines, fruit beers, and non-alcoholic beers since those products are Chinese women’s favorite alcohols.

Chinese people have a specific image of each foreign country (as France is romantic for example), and they associate the foreign products they know with the image they have.

Most of the time, foreign products are considered as high-quality products, even better than local products!

Here are China’s main imported wine suppliers:

• France
• Australia
• Chile
• Italy
• Spain
• USA
• South Africa
• New Zealand
• Argentina
• Germany

In general, wines that come from those countries are considered to be the bests and Chinese people don’t deprive themselves.

Exporting your wine or the alcohol you produce in China is the way to upgrade your business to the next level.

How to adapt your products to the Chinese market?

Localizing wine products to Chinese consumers involves adapting various aspects of the product to suit their preferences and cultural norms. Firstly, understanding the Chinese market is crucial, as it is diverse and dynamic.

This includes identifying popular wine varieties, packaging designs, and price points that resonate with Chinese consumers to sell wine to them. Additionally, considering Chinese taste preferences, such as a preference for sweeter wines, can help in tailoring the grape wine product accordingly.

Furthermore, effective marketing strategies, such as utilizing Chinese social media platforms and partnering with local influencers, can help in promoting the wine products to the target audience.

Lastly, ensuring clear and informative labeling in Chinese, as well as providing educational resources about wine appreciation, can enhance the experience for Chinese consumers.

By localizing wine products, companies can tap into the vast potential of the Chinese market and cater to the unique needs and preferences of its consumers.

List of Top Wine & Alcohol Importers in China:

Here are some notable companies that were significant importers of wine and alcohol in China:

1. ASC Fine Wines – It’s one of the largest importers in China, offering a range of wines from over 100 wineries worldwide.
2. China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Corporation (COFCO) – COFCO’s wine branch is a major player in China’s wine import market.
3. Summergate Fine Wines – This importer distributes a variety of international wines to retailers and hospitality providers in over 150 cities in China.
4. Torres China – This company is a well-known Spanish wine producer that also operates as a wine importer in China.
5. Aussino World Wines – Aussino imports wine from various wine-producing countries, and it has a large retail presence in China.
6. EMW Fine Wines – This Shanghai-based importer specializes in importing boutique wines from around the world.
7. French Wine Paradox – This is a major importer of French wines into China.
8. The Wine Republic – This company imports a wide variety of wines from around the world.
9. Ningxia Copower Jade Co., Ltd – This company imports wine, particularly from South Africa.
10. Shanghai Siyuan Wines Co., Ltd – A wine importer with a broad portfolio of international wines.

All of these companies are looking for importing wines, beers, and other types of alcohol as spirits.

Digital Marketing and E-commerce 

Digital marketing and e-commerce have become increasingly important in the wine market in China. With the rise of internet usage and smartphone penetration, more and more consumers are turning to online platforms to purchase wine.

In terms of digital marketing, wine brands are leveraging various online channels to reach their target audience. This includes social media platforms like WeChat, Weibo, and Douyin, where brands can engage with consumers through creative content, influencer collaborations, and interactive campaigns. They also use search engine optimization (SEO) techniques to improve their visibility on platforms like Baidu.

E-commerce platforms have also played a significant role in the growth of the wine market in China. Platforms like Tmall, JD.com, and Pinduoduo offer a wide range of wine options to consumers, making it convenient for them to make purchases online. These platforms often provide detailed product descriptions, customer reviews, and ratings, which help consumers make informed decisions.

Furthermore, wine brands are also partnering with online wine retailers and wine clubs to expand their reach and offer exclusive deals to consumers. These partnerships allow brands to tap into the existing customer base of these platforms and provide a seamless shopping experience.

Overall, digital marketing and e-commerce have revolutionized the wine sales in China, providing consumers with more options and convenience. It has also created opportunities for wine brands to connect with their target audience and increase their sales.

Case Studies

In recent years, Australian wine has been gaining popularity in China. This success is due in part to a number of factors, including the quality of Australian wine and the growing middle class in China with a taste for luxury goods.

One Australian winery that has successfully navigated the Chinese market is Penfolds. Penfolds has been selling wine in China for over 20 years and has built a strong reputation for quality and consistency. In 2019, Penfolds released a limited edition wine, the 2016 Grange, exclusively for the Chinese market. The wine was priced at 19,999 yuan ($2,800) per bottle and sold out within minutes of its release.

Penfolds has also been successful in marketing its wine to Chinese consumers. The winery has partnered with Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba to sell its wine online, and has also launched a WeChat mini-program to engage with consumers and offer personalized wine recommendations.

Another Australian winery that has seen success in China is Yalumba. Yalumba has been exporting wine to China since 2006 and has built a strong reputation for its Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2019, Yalumba launched a new wine, the Y Series Shiraz Viognier, specifically for the Chinese market. The wine was designed to appeal to Chinese consumers’ taste for bold, fruity red wines.

Overall, Australian wineries have been successful in the Chinese market by focusing on quality, consistency, and targeted marketing. As the Chinese middle class continues to grow and demand for luxury goods increases, Australian wine is poised to continue its success in China.

We are your local partner in China!

The wine market in China has experienced significant growth in recent years. With a growing middle class and changing consumer preferences, wine consumption has become increasingly popular. China is now one of the largest wine markets in the world.

The demand for wine in China has been driven by factors such as increased disposable income, urbanization, and a growing interest in Western culture. This has led to a rise in wine imports and a boom in domestic production.

However, the Chinese wine market is unique and presents both opportunities and challenges for businesses. Chinese wine consumers have diverse tastes and preferences, with a preference for red wine over white wine. They also value high-quality and prestigious brands.

As Chinese consumers continue to develop a taste for wine, there are ample opportunities for businesses to enter and thrive in this market.

We are a China-based marketing agency offering cost-effective solutions to foreign brands interested in tapping into the Chinese market. Our team of Chinese and foreign experts has the experience and know-how needed to succeed in this lucrative, yet complicated market.

Gentlemen Marketing Agency offers many digital marketing and e-commerce solutions, such as web design, e-commerce and social media marketing strategies, localization, market research, KOL marketing, and more.

Don’t hesitate to leave us a comment or contact us, so that we can schedule a free consultation with one of our experts, that will learn about your brand and present you the best solutions for your China market strategy.