SA winemakers see China as the most important wine market

By 2011-10-21 16:44:15

Johann Rupert, chairman of Richemont which has over 300 shops in the Middle Kingdom and who is a major up-market wine producer in his own right, said“China is one of the great destinations in the world. The Chinese are truly sophisticated and were already civilized at a time our forefathers were still living in caves.

They produced steel 1,500 years before Europe, had coinage 900 BC, ant-malaria drugs 300 BC, diagnosed diabetes 100 BC, invented the toothbrush 900 AD and dated trees by rings 1200 AD, to name a few.

Europe and the United States will continue to suffer economic difficulties for the foreseeable future. China will continue to grow. In serving the wine industry one should know really your markets and develop a concise strategy. Unfortunately, the whole episode points at a far wider malaise at WOSA.”

Carina Gous, head of wine at SA largest liquor corporate Distell, says her company is “absolutely dedicated to China as a key strategic focus market for our wine as well as spirits portfolio.” Auctioneer Christie’s head of wine in China, Simon Tam, asks SA producers to “please forgive China its growing pains and allow us to play gracefully with our friends in the West” as “China is simply the most important wine market where the Delicious West meets the Thirsty East.”

From cnwinenews