Vino Joy News
Posts
What Does the Latest Customs Data Tell Us?

What Does the Latest Customs Data Tell Us?

¥325M wiped off for China's leading distributor/ ASC Fine Wines launches new bonded warehouse solution/ Michel Bettane on Chinese wine

Natalie Wang
November 05, 2025

Greetings from Shanghai!

Our team is now on the ground preparing for next week’s Western Australia Fine Wine Showcase, and the response has been nothing short of incredible. Nearly 30 wineries will be joining us, with over 350 trade registrations — including wine importers, distributors, restaurant and bar owners, sommeliers, e-commerce and instant retail operators, as well as media and KOLs.

We’ll also be hosting a VIP wine dinner for 60 guests, bringing together some of China’s top importers and buyers. The industry’s enthusiasm has been inspiring — a clear reminder that the market remains vibrant and full of opportunity.

Without further ado, here are this week’s key stories shaping China and Asia’s wine scene.

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

China’s Wine Imports Drop, but Higher Prices Point to Premium Shift

China’s wine imports dropped sharply in the third quarter, but higher average prices suggest drinkers are trading up. Customs data show total imports fell 37.7% by volume and 11.4% by value to US$395 million, pointing to a smaller yet more premium-focused market.

ASC Fine Wines Strengthens China Operations With New Bonded Warehouse System

ASC Fine Wines, one of China’s largest wine importers and distributors, has upgraded its bonded warehousing system as part of a wider strategy to build a more flexible supply chain and reinforce its position in the Chinese market. The move marks a major structural initiative since the St Pierre family regained full ownership earlier this year.

Michel Bettane: Chinese Wine Now Outshines France in Technical Precision

French wine critic Michel Bettane says the overall technical standard of Chinese wines now surpasses what he and his team often encounter in their annual tastings in France — a sign, he believes, that China is undergoing an “astonishing awakening of terroir.”

The ‘996 Wine’ Playbook: How ALDI and China’s Biggest Bulk Wine Trader Found a Way Out

In an exclusive interview with Vino Joy News, Zhang Haixiao, CEO of Nine Coast’s sales subsidiary Vin Manson, described how ALDI’s 996 wine became more than just a commercial success — it became a case study in how China’s wine and retail industries are evolving.

China’s VATS Liquor Takes ¥325M Blow Amid Price Crash

China’s biggest listed liquor distributor, VATS Liquor, saw RMB 325 million (US$ 45 million) wiped off the value of its baijiu and wine inventories — a 114-fold surge in impairment losses that pushed the company into the red and laid bare the deepening crisis in China’s premium-alcohol market.

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

Allan Sichel on China, Sustainability and the Future of En Primeur

Speaking with Vino Joy News during his visit to the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, Sichel outlined how Bordeaux is navigating this period of change — from export struggles and its new campaign for consumer engagement to the uncertain future of en primeur.

China’s Brandy Imports Fail to Rebound Despite End of Anti-Dumping Case

China’s brandy market has yet to recover despite the government’s conclusion of its long-running anti-dumping investigation earlier this year.

Hyundai Department Store Turns to Spirits and Pop-Ups to Woo Younger Shoppers

At the flagship Hyundai Department Store in Seoul, a limited-edition bottle of Macallan whisky sold out in under ten minutes. In the lobby, young customers queued for what many described as a “different kind of shopping experience”.

Korean Convenience Stores Move Beyond Discounts With Direct Imports and Fine Wines

Wine25Plus has generated ₩500 million (US$365,000) in sales within just seven months of launching its “Négociant Direct” programme.

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.