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ASC Doubles Down On People With New Hires

ASC Doubles Down On People With New Hires

Wine Meets Baijiu/ Interview with Wine App Founder/ India's H1 2025 wine imports data

Natalie Wang
September 15, 2025

China’s leading importer ASC Fine Wines is betting on long-term growth after its family buyback, adding more than ten new roles across regions and channels. Full story here.

Meanwhile, Penfolds has struck an unusual alliance with Sichuan baijiu producer Langjiu. Is this a bold step to unlock new momentum—or simply a marriage of convenience in a tough macro climate?

The rise of Chinese wine is often framed as a threat to imports. But the founder of Wine App, fresh off hosting a 1,200-person tasting dedicated to domestic wines, argues the opposite: that Chinese wine’s ascent could be the best thing for imported labels.

On the competition front, 67 Pall Mall unveiled the winners of this year’s Global Wine Communicator Awards; IWSC spotlighted its top spirits performers; and a Tasmanian Chardonnay was crowned Champion White Wine at the International Wine Challenge.

Across Asia, Hong Kong’s flagship Wine & Dine Festival is set to return, bringing back the Grand Wine Pavilion with selections curated by critics including James Suckling. And in India, customs data show wine imports surged in H1 2025. We analysed the numbers and asked a local expert whether the spike is reaching retail shelves—and who exactly is driving the growth.

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ASC Fine Wines Ramps Up Hiring After Family Buyback

China’s leading wine importer ASC Fine Wines announced it is further strengthening its team with the addition of over ten professionals across key functions and regions.

Wine App Founder: Rise of Chinese Wine is the Best Thing for Imported Wines

David He, founder of Wine App - often dubbed “China’s Vivino”- believes the growth of domestically produced wine is the best thing that could happen to imported wines. Here's why.

Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival to Return to Central in October

This year, the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival will return to the Central Harbourfront from October 23 to 26, 2025.

This Tasmanian White Was Just Named World’s Best White Wine

At one of the world’s most respected blind tastings, a white wine from an unlikely corner of the globe has beaten hundreds of rivals to be crowned Champion White Wine of 2025.

If you are looking for importers in China, reach out to us at [email protected]

Wine Meets Baijiu: Penfolds Strikes Alliance With Langjiu

When Australia’s most famous wine label meets one of China’s biggest baijiu distillers, the result is not just a limited-edition bottle but a glimpse into the uneasy realities of doing business amid declining sales.

India’s Wine Imports Surge 50% in First Half of 2025

India is drinking up. Wine imports surged more than 50% in the first half of 2025, defying the global downturn. What’s fueling the boom — and who’s buying?

American Bourbon Back on Top: Four Bourbons Win Highest Gold at IWSC 2025

American bourbon reaffirmed its global standing at the IWSC 2025, where four labels earned the coveted Spirit Gold Outstanding medal — the competition’s top honour, awarded only to spirits scoring 98 points.

Dachser Expands Wine and Spirits Logistics in Asia Pacific

Dachser, the German logistics provider with more than 90 years of experience, is expanding its wine and spirits logistics services across the Asia Pacific region as demand rises for imports from Europe.

Winners Announced for 2nd 67 Pall Mall Global Wine Communicator Awards

The second annual 67 Pall Mall Global Wine Communicator Awards named six winners on September 5 in London, recognizing achievements across audio, video and written media.

China’s Top 100 Importers

The 237-page report offers an in-depth analysis of regional dynamics and market opportunities across North China, Northeast China, East China, South Central, Southwest, and Northwest China. It identifies the top 100 wine importers currently operating in mainland China. This regional breakdown provides a clear picture of where market influence is concentrated—and how each part of the country is shaping the growth and transformation of wine consumption in China.