Didier Depond：China is developing an increasing taste for Champagne

China is developing an increasing taste for Champagne, according to Salon president Didier Depond.

Speaking at the release of Salon 1999 in London yesterday (Wednesday, 9 March), Depond told the drinks business: “I think the Chinese are coming round to the idea of Champagne – the market is where Japan was 30 years ago.

“Japan is our number one market, but China is a completely new prospect for us. We only sold one million bottles in China in 2010, which is a drop in the ocean compared to the UK.

“The Chinese are becoming more open to the idea of sparkling wine, but they use a lot of garlic and spices in their cuisine, which can overpower Salon’s subtle flavour profile. Introducing Salon to China will be a long process.”