Wuhan Wine consumption increasing faster than local spirits

    Wine sales in Wuhan rose faster than local spirits (Baijiu), which aroused the attention of some overseas wine merchants.

    In recent years, great changes have taken place in Wuhan alcoholic consumption. Datas from big supermarkets like Metro showed that although local spirits still dominate Wuhan market, but wine sales increase with an average rate of 30 percent per year since 2006, far exceeding the spirits 15-20% growth.

     "Five years ago, people always bring some local spirits when they visit friends or relatives, now you often see some red wines on their dinner tables," Wang yan, Purchasing Manager of a supermarket said.

     "A lot of consumers is wine connoisseurs now. They will ask not only what the country they are produced, but also from which areas of the country." a Metro salesman said. Wuhan Metro wine varieties increased by 50% in past two years, and the highest high-end wines upgraded from 3,000 yuan to 10,000 yuan per bottle.