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China’s Alcohol Retail Giant 1919 to Close 1,500 Stores

China’s Alcohol Retail Giant 1919 to Close 1,500 Stores

Thailand's wine imports surge in H1 2025/ Yellow Tail targets fakes in China/ Fake Hennessy and Whisky Bottles Flood Taiwan Market

Natalie Wang
August 04, 2025

Following our analysis last week of H1 wine import data for South Korea, Mainland China and Taiwan last week, we now turn to two more key markets — Hong Kong and Thailand. The latest figures are in, and they offer fresh insights into shifting consumer demand. Don’t miss our full breakdown.

In brand news, Australia’s best-selling label [yellow tail] is getting a makeover. With a premium line, a refreshed look, and tougher measures against counterfeits in China, the brand is aiming to stay competitive in a tougher market. We sat down with the parent company to learn more about the strategy.

Also from Australia, AVL is feeling the heat from sluggish global sales — but it’s not all gloom. The company reported that Asia, especially China, was a rare bright spot. We spoke with its long-time importer COFCO Wine & Wine to gauge what’s behind the growth. Full story here.

1919, argualy the biggest wine and spirits retailer in the world, is taking some bold actions. It is shutting down 1500 stores and pivoting to turning the stores into drinks and dining lifestyle hubs. Will this sweeping pivot be enough to turn the tide?

Meanwhile, authorities in central Taiwan have shut down a major counterfeit liquor ring. Fake bottles of Hennessy, The Dalmore, and The Singleton — refilled with homemade spirits — were sold alongside genuine products in retail channels.

And in China, Italian bubbles are on the rise. Imports of Italian sparkling wine surged in June. We spoke with wine groups and importers to unpack what’s really behind the fizz.

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Breaking: China’s Alcohol Retail Giant 1919 to Close 1,500 Stores in Strategic Overhaul

China’s—and arguably the world’s—largest alcohol retail chain, 1919 Group, has announced plans to close approximately 1,500 stores, citing a misalignment in business philosophy with some of its franchise partners. At the same time, the company is pivoting its business model, upgrading its single-purpose alcohol shops into experience-driven venues combining food and beverage offerings.

Chinese Wines Break Into Hong Kong’s Top 10 for First Time

Hong Kong's wine imports data for H1 2025 is out. France, ever the stalwart, eked out modest growth and surprisingly, mainland China muscled into Hong Kong’s top ten sources for the first time.

Thailand’s Wine Markets Surge in H1 2025

Wine imports in Thailand surged in the first half of 2025, with eight of the country’s top ten suppliers registering gains — including two that saw explosive triple-digit growth.

Fake Hennessy and Whisky Bottles Flood Taiwan Market

In Taiwan, a licensed liquor merchant and his associates stand accused of bottling bootleg spirits in recycled Hennessy and Dalmore bottles — and selling them as the real thing. For a year, no one noticed.

Yellow Tail Gets First Makeover in Two Decades, Targets Fake Wines in China

Australia’s bestselling brand [yellow tail] is getting a facelift, going upmarket, and cracking down on copycats in China — all in a bid to stay ahead in a cooler, more crowded market.

Australian Wine Exports Rise, but China Volumes Still Half of 2018 Peak

Outside of China, Australia’s wine export performance was mixed. While markets such as Hong Kong, Thailand, and Indonesia recorded sharp declines, exports to Malaysia and India posted notable gains.

What’s Driving China’s Italian Sparkling Wine Boom?

Imports of Italian sparkling wine into China surged in June, but is the spike a sign of booming demand, or simply the result of global trade jitters and changing drinking habits? We talked to leading wine groups and importers to find out.

Australian Vintage Ends Vineyard Lease, Eyes China Growth

Australian Vintage Ltd. said it has ended its long-term lease of the Millewa vineyard as the company looks to reduce oversupply of red grapes and gain greater flexibility in sourcing strategies.

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.