09 Apr China’s Ever-Increasing Wine Consumption & Winemaking Production

The Growth and Expansion of China’s Wine Consumption & Production

When it comes to copious amounts of wine consumption, it seems almost natural that European countries would be at the top of that list. This is, however, only partially true and Asia should no longer be left out of this equation. With China’s massive population and their shift into western culture, wine consumption in China has never been bigger – and it isn’t slowing down.

China’s movement toward western culture has largely contributed to its growing wine consumption. Wine is now viewed in China, like most many western countries, as a good addition to social gatherings or as a companion to a meal. There is also a great upward trend in larger cities for regular gatherings to be hosted in homes particularly to serve wine and a light meal.

Other than the view that has changed on wine in China, the change in the role of women in China has also greatly contributed to the consumption in China. The shift into independent, working-class women has lead to the consumption and appreciation for wine by more women in China. It’s been shown too, that the sales of white wine and sparkling wine is mainly from women – with men preferring reds.

The red wines, which still dominate the market, is considered to be popular largely for its colour. The colour red, in the Chinese culture, is considered to symbolize good luck, wealth and prosperity.  

These individuals purchasing these wines, red or white, tend to be millennials who are more like to try new things like wines and craft spirits. The older generations seem to stick with traditional Chinese beverages.

This shift China is making in all aspects has resulted in China becoming one of the biggest importers of wine in the world. In fact, it’s estimated that around 40 million Chinese citizens are active wine-consumers. By 2020, it is expected that China will be the second-largest wine consumers in the world.  The fact that these wines are all important is due to the fact that there are only a handful of wine producers in China. Their local winemakers aren’t producing enough wine to sustain their growing consumer market.

China is currently experimenting with producing their own wine, with the quality slowly and steadily gaining some momentum. The production of their own wine could mean that, not only will the local wine consumption continue tof rise, but so will their wine exportation. However, current statistics show that for the next ten years, the wine market in China will be dominated by international wines.

The future of wine in China looks bright – with producers all over the world selling high volumes of their wine to China. It’s an important development in the wine industry that allows a great connection between the western and eastern world. The future for the production of wine in China seems to have an even greater future – intriguing the world with the growth of winemaking in Asian countries.

Who knows what we’ll experience in the next few years from this unique market?