■ Great Expectation for China market
Recently, the demand for wine has been decreasing in Europe. Spanish is no exception, with supply exceeding demand. There is every effort to seek export. As for the most potential market, China is the place Spanish wine traders won’t miss.
There are 1.3 billion people in China, with average consumption of 0.33 liter per person. The number for Japan is 10 liters, 40 liters for Spain and 50 liters for France. Ricado said the supply can’t even meet such a low demand in present China market. There is a great wine import from France etc every year. Therefore, there is great potential for China wine market.
■ Invasion of Spirit Market Share
Though the annual consumption of wine is surprisingly low, the demand for spirit is surprisingly great. People tend to have drinks with dinner, whether in business banquet or family occasion. Apparently, Chinese consumers now prefer traditional spirit. Ricado has his own idea about the issue. He says that Chinese spirit is too strong; people can easily get drunk. Along with increasing attention on health problems, consumers will seek other products for alternative, which can satisfy the need of hospitality of Chinese tradition, and won’t get people easily drunk. Therefore, wine and beer are most possible options.
Ricado believes that wines are divided into different categories, as Chinese dishes. Sweet wines can go with Shanghai and Cantonese dishes. Dry wines can go with Hunan and Sichuan dishes, etc. “It gives Chinese consumers a refined and delicate style ”
■ Own Advantages
In the past, Spanish wines were imported into China in large cartons. Since 2002, more and more attention has been paid on brand image and publicity in China market. Brands like TORRES enjoy certain popularity in famous restaurants in Shanghai.
Ricado said that he was surprised to find famous Spanish wine brands in some luxury restaurants in Chengdu. He told the reporter that Spanish breweries are quite interested in Chengdu. Next year, Waluncia wine enterprises will form a delegate to visit Chengdu. They will invite guests to their Sichuan cuisine party and test the compatibility of Sichuan cuisine and Waluncia wines to select the most suitable wine for promotion in Chengdu.
