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Asia's Biggest Wine Importers Revealed

Asia's Biggest Wine Importers Revealed

Edward Ragg MW on Chinese Wine and Life After Wine Advocate/Tenuta Viglione Eyes Hong Kong/ China Slaps Up To 39% Tariffs on EU brandy

Natalie Wang
October 09, 2024

Hello, this is Natalie.

After months of hard work, we’re excited to announce the release of our Asia’s Top 50 Wine Importers Report. This 125-page report provides an in-depth look at the region’s key wine importers, profiling influential buyers from Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, and China, as well as emerging markets like Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, and Taiwan.

The report highlights growth opportunities across these diverse markets, which have experienced varying demand and regulatory shifts. Each company profile includes detailed information on its growth, size, staff numbers, portfolios, key buyers, and contact details. Whether you’re looking to establish a foothold in a new market or optimize your existing presence, this report serves as a roadmap, offering critical intelligence on the challenges, opportunities, and best practices for thriving in Asia’s complex wine ecosystem.

In other news, the Robert Parker Wine Advocate has made a surprising decision to pause its coverage of China. In our exclusive interview, Edward Ragg MW reflects on the evolution of Chinese wine, shares his thoughts on the future of the industry, and outlines his next steps.

Meanwhile, one of Puglia’s renowned wineries, Tenuta Viglione, is accelerating its expansion in China, with a particular focus on Hong Kong. The winery remains committed to its production of indigenous, authentic, terroir-driven wines. As its owner pointedly notes, there’s a reason why Pinot Noir doesn’t thrive in southern Italy.

Following China’s Golden Week holiday, the government has announced punitive tariffs of up to 39% on EU brandy, effective from October 11.

Lastly, after months of growth, Australian wine exports to China are starting to slow, as indicated by August data from Chinese customs. On the other hand, white wines are enjoying a surge in popularity this summer, with importers reporting increased demand, backed by strong export numbers from New Zealand.

Stay updated on all the key stories shaping Asia’s wine industry. Don’t forget to subscribe for access to exclusive content and help spread the word to others who might be interested!

Here Are Asia’s Top 50 Wine Importers

This 125-page report spans the vast and diverse wine markets of Asia, profiling the leading importers from established giants in Japan, South Korea, China, Singapore, and Hong Kong to emerging growth hubs in Thailand, Vietnam, India, the Philippines, and Taiwan. Each market offers its own unique opportunities, but collectively, they illustrate Asia’s significant role in the global wine landscape.

China Slaps Up to 39% Tariffs on EU Brandy

China’s Ministry of Commerce announced on Monday it will impose anti-dumping deposits ranging from 30.6% to 39.0% on brandy imported from the European Union, starting from October 11.

Bonhams Expands Asian Operations with Key Appointments

Bonhams, the UK-headquartered international auction house, has appointed Terrence Tang as the Head of the Wine & Spirits Department in Asia and Lucien Michel as a Senior Wine Specialist.

Edward Ragg MW on Chinese Wine’s Evolution and Life After Wine Advocate

After four years as the China-based reviewer for The Robert Parker Wine Advocate, Edward Ragg MW reflects on the evolution of Chinese wine, from emerging stylistic trends to the increasing importance of terroir. In this exclusive interview, Ragg also shares his thoughts on what’s next for the country’s wine industry and outlines his future plans following Wine Advocate’s decision to pause Chinese coverage.

New Zealand Wine Exports to China Up 5.2% Amid Global Downturn

However, there was a bright spot: the mainland China market, ranked seventh, recorded growth in both volume and value, highlighting the rising popularity of New Zealand wines, particularly white wines, in China.

China’s August Imports of Australian Wine Plunge 60% Month-on-Month

In that month, imports of Australian wine saw a significant month-on-month decline of as much as 60% by value. The sharp decline comes after months of steady restocking by importers and is further complicated by sluggish sales in the domestic market, highlighting broader challenges for the industry.

Tenuta Viglione Expands Into China, Targeting Hong Kong’s Wine Market

Family-run Italian winery, Tenuta Viglione, located in the sun-soaked region of Puglia in Southern Italy, is expanding its presence in China, with a particular focus on Hong Kong. Known for producing high-quality organic wines, the winery is making a strategic move to introduce its unique offerings to a market increasingly interested in authentic, terroir-driven wines.

AWSEC Marks 30th Anniversary with Gala Dinner, Honors Top Wine Students

On September 26, Asia Wine Service & Education Centre (AWSEC), Asia’s leading professional wine, sake, spirits, and beer education provider, celebrated its 30th anniversary with a gala dinner at The Langham Hong Kong.

White Wine Booms in China as Summer Heat Fuels a Refreshing Shift in Tastes

White wine is gaining popularity in China this summer, despite an overall contraction in wine consumption in a country that has traditionally been dominated by red wine.