Vino Joy News
Posts
The New Survey That's Rattling Chinese Wine Trade

The New Survey That's Rattling Chinese Wine Trade

TWE Flags Slowdown in China/ Malaysia wine market/ Wine investment scam

Natalie Wang
August 18, 2025

One of the latest industry surveys paints a sobering picture of the pressure and cash constraints facing wine businesses: one in five respondents admitted they won’t have enough funds to last more than six months. Yet, the story isn’t uniformly bleak— many more companies are pressing ahead, betting on portfolio expansion with a clear focus on white wines, younger consumers, and low-alcohol drinks.

Adding to the strain, Beijing’s new alcohol curb is hitting hard. Kweichow Moutai has posted its slowest profit growth in a decade, while Treasury Wine Estates, owner of Penfolds, turned in a strong FY 2025 but flagged weakening depletions in China over June and July. Officials are now calling for a rectification of overzealous enforcement, though much of the damage appears irreversible.

Beyond China, Malaysia’s latest wine import figures show a slowdown, but the story is more nuanced. Despite weaker overall numbers and the reality of a 60% Muslim population, one of the country’s leading importers told us there are still pockets of growth and opportunity—particularly among younger drinkers, niche categories, and premium segments.

Crime also dominates the headlines this week. Nearly 100 women in China lost a combined RMB 35 million in an online wine investment scam traced to northern Myanmar’s infamous fraud hubs. In South Korea, authorities are seeing a surge in drug-related crimes, with wine increasingly being targeted.

On a more forward-looking note, can a century-old winery reinvent itself for a planet under pressure? Delicato Family Wines is rewriting the rules of winemaking—blending tradition with bold sustainability moves that extend well beyond the vineyard.

We also cover Penfolds’ latest re-corking clinic, Meituan’s authenticity checks for instant premium wine deliveries, and more stories shaping the global wine and spirits trade.

For more on the wine industry in China and Asia, be sure to subscribe to our website to read more subscriber-only content.

Dozens of Chinese Women Duped in ¥39.5M Wine Investment Scam Tied to Myanmar Crime Hubs

Northern Myanmar’s notorious cyber fraud syndicates — long associated with telecom swindles, kidnappings, and extortion — have found an unlikely new hook: fine wine investment.

Survey: One in Five Wine Companies in China Could Run Out of Cash in Six Months

China’s wine business is in the midst of a slow, grinding reshuffle. Profits are falling, cash is tight, and many companies are cutting back. Yet, in a market that has weathered years of turbulence, there are still players willing to take chances on what comes next.

China’s Moutai Reports Slowest Profit Growth Since 2015

China’s most valuable liquor maker, Kweichow Moutai, has posted its slowest half-year profit growth since 2015, as rising marketing expenses and mounting receivables signal intensifying pressure on the country’s high-end alcohol market.

TWE Flags Slowdown in China Sales After June as Alcohol Curbs Bite

Treasury Wine Estates has warned of a slowdown in stock depletion in China since June, as tighter alcohol restrictions and changing drinking habits dent sales momentum in its biggest Asian market.

How a 101-Year-Old Winery Is Leading the Charge on Sustainability?

Can a century-old winery reinvent itself for a planet under pressure? Delicato Family Wines is quietly rewriting the rules of winemaking—blending tradition with unexpected sustainability moves that go far beyond the vineyard.

Malaysia’s Wine Imports Sink 30% in H1 — So Why Is Its Leading Importer Still Bullish?

Malaysia’s wine imports slumped by nearly a third in the first half of 2025, with steep declines from Australia and Chile dragging down overall trade. Yet a leading importer believes the market’s underlying demand remains strong, buoyed by tourism, a shift toward premium wines, and the growing popularity of white wine.

Meituan Rolls Out Authenticiy Seal for Premium Wine and Spirits Delivery

China’s premium liquor business is moving into on-demand retail, and Meituan is betting that trust will be the ultimate selling point.

Wine Among Smugglers’ Tools as South Korea Seizes Record Drug Haul

South Korean customs authorities say international drug traffickers are disguising narcotics as everyday consumer goods — including wine — as part of increasingly sophisticated smuggling operations into Asia.

Penfolds “Re-Corking Clinic” Returns to Hong Kong

Australian wine label Penfolds will bring its “Re-Corking Clinic” to Hong Kong on Aug. 22–23, offering collectors a chance to have aged bottles inspected, authenticated, and re-corked under the supervision of its chief winemaker.

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.