Japanese wine JV begins production in China

SHANGHAI, Sept 17, 2009 (Asia In Focus via COMTEX) -- MARUY | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- The Chinese wine-making operation jointly established by Japan's ASAHI BREWERIES LTD. (TSE:2502), MARUBENI CORP. (TSE:8002) and a local brewery began production Wednesday. The joint venture in the Jiangsu Province city of Nantong imports raw ingredients from South America, Europe and Australia and makes wines that suit the Chinese palate.
* Asahi Breweries is the first major Japanese beverage maker to produce wines in China.

* The Jiangsu firm is owned 30 per cent by Asahi Breweries, 30 per cent by Marubeni and 40 per cent by DAFUHAO BEER CO.