China Moves to Regulate Alcohol-free Wine

India and NZ ink FTA trade deal/ TWE share rebounds/ Pernod Ricard's new China leadership

Author

Natalie Wang
April 29, 2026

How do you know a category is about to take off? When China Alcoholic Drinks Association steps in to define it. That’s exactly what’s happening with alcohol-free wine in China, a once niche segment now moving toward regulation as demand accelerates. But how big is the opportunity really, and what’s fuelling its rise?

Elsewhere, the mood across the industry is mixed. Treasury Wine Estates finally saw a lift in sentiment as China depletion shows signs of recovery, while Pernod Ricard reshuffles its China leadership in response to ongoing market pressures. Meanwhile, Changyu continues to post sluggish results.

Beyond China, a newly signed FTA between India and New Zealand could reshape long-term trade dynamics, with tariffs set to fall to 25% over the next decade. But for now, the reality on the ground remains complex: low trade volumes and persistent structural barriers.

And as growth slows at home, China’s baijiu producers are looking outward. The question is no longer if they go global but what it will take for Chinese spirits to truly resonate beyond their domestic base.

Also, don’t miss our coverage of Louis Roederer’s potential move into Burgundy, Familia Torres’s push for regeneration and a return to ancestral vines, the quiet rise of Georgian wines in China, and more.

More developments across China and Asia are unfolding. Stay with us and subscribe to access our full analysis and exclusive reporting.

China Moves to Regulate Alcohol-free Wine

As alcohol-free wine, once a niche alternative, rapidly gains ground in China, regulators are moving to bring order to a fast-expanding but loosely defined category.

Treasury Wine Shares Jump on China Growth, Announces Regional Restructure

Shares of Treasury Wine Estates rose sharply after the company reported strong sales momentum in key markets, led by China, and unveiled a major organisational overhaul.

Pernod Ricard Reshuffles China Leadership

Pernod Ricard has replaced its China leadership with two senior executives on temporary assignments, as the French spirits group grapples with a sharp downturn in the market.

China’s Top Wine Maker Changyu Sees Lowest Profit in 20 years

Changyu Pioneer Wine Company saw its net profit collapse 76% in 2025, tumbling to just RMB 71 million (US$9.9 million), the lowest since it went public more than 20 years ago.

How Georgian Wine Is Finding Its Moment in China’s Slowing Market

While traditional heavyweights struggle with slowing demand and mounting channel pressure, Georgian wine is moving in the opposite direction, posting two consecutive years of growth in both volume and value.

India Opens Its Doors to New Zealand Wine in Landmark Trade Deal

India has taken a major step toward liberalising its tightly protected wine market, agreeing to slash tariffs on New Zealand wine by up to 83% over ten years under a newly signed free trade agreement, potentially transforming access to one of the world’s most difficult markets for imported wine.

How Can Baijiu Go Global?

As China’s baijiu market becomes increasingly competitive and growth slows, producers are being pushed to look beyond their home turf. “Going global” has shifted from ambition to necessity.

Louis Roederer In Talks to Acquire Burgundy’s Domaine Pierre Damoy

Champagne house Louis Roederer has entered exclusive negotiations to acquire Domaine Pierre Damoy in Gevrey-Chambertin, marking a potential expansion into one of Burgundy’s most sought-after terroirs.

Five Generations, One Question: How Do You Sustain a Vineyard in a Changing World?

At Familia Torres, the answer has evolved—from expansion and experimentation to regeneration, biodiversity, and a return to ancestral vines.

China Busts $36m Counterfeit ‘Vintage’ Baijiu Ring Tied to Livestream Sales

Chinese authorities have dismantled a major counterfeit baijiu operation that sold fake “vintage” versions of top brands through livestreaming platforms, with the case valued at about 260 million yuan (US$36 million).


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.

Familia Torres Names New Distributor For Malaysia

Spain’s leading wine group, Familia Torres, has appointed Luen Heng F&B Sdn Bhd as its exclusive importer and distributor in Malaysia.

Other Top Stories

Stay updated with the latest in China’s wine world with our comprehensive coverage at Vino Joy New