China is the 10th wines and spirits consumer worldwide.

Amongst alcoholic drinks, Beer accounts for 37%, “Bai jiu” (a local liquor) represents 35%, “Huang Jiu” (a soft rice alcohol) represents 16%, and wine 12%.

The market is clustered in urban areas, especially in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. But today, other cities are concerned such as Shenzhen (In Southern China, close to Guangzhou), Tianjin (Northern China, 120 km in the South of Beijing), Hangzhou (Eastern China, 300 km below Shanghai), and Chengdu (Western China).

Consumers are 25 to 55-years old and belong to the upper classes, but can be counted in millions nevertheless.

The wine and spirits consumption, which is quite seasonal, is particularly important during the Chinese New Year, the May 1st Holiday, and the National Holiday (October 1st): Chinese people visit their families bringing presents, like wine.

Some figures about wine :

- In 2006, French wines exports to China (without Hong Kong) increased by 90 % in value and 60% in volume

- China is the 10th wine consumer in the world

- From the 500 million bottles of wine consumed in 2005, China has imported 5%, of which 35% was French wine (8,750,000 bottles)

- China was the 16th French wine importer in 2006 (+ 5 ranks in comparison with 2005)

- France is the first supplier in China for bottles and wine in bulk (1/3 of the total imports), followed by Australia, with a 23% market share

- The average price for an imported bottle of wine goes from euros 2.5 to 6; whereas a locally produced bottle costs euros 3.55 in average

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Some figures about spirits :

- The imported spirits market is higher in value and volume than wine in China

- The French spirits exports are 1st in value since they reach euros 164 millions

- In 2006, the total growth for Chinese imports was 63% for Cognac and 28% for whiskey

- French Cognac exports have gone up by 35% in volume and 30 % in value in China (without Hong Kong)

- China is the 6th market for Cognac in the world, just after France

Booming Champagne

Between 2006 and 2007, champagne sales have risen by 70%! Enjoying its luxury image, champagne is very appreciated in China thanks to the biggest champagne houses and CIVC (French Professional Committee for Champagne) who increased champagne awareness. Even though Offer remains quite low, a lot of importers and distributing companies who didn't have champagne in their portfolio before are now trying to complete their products range.

Forecasts

- The Chinese wine consumption should rise by 36 % between 2005 and 2010.

- In 2010, it will reach HL 5.58 millions, for a HL 238.825 millions global consumption

- In 2010, China will be consuming 750 millions of bottles (500 millions in 2005)

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