The Chinese production of alcoholic beverages is among the largest in the world and is split between grain alcohol, beer and wine.

In recent years, the production of spirits has tended to decrease in favour of beer, as far as mass consumption is concerned, and of wine for more elitist consumption (banquets, business entertaining).

In China, as we have already stated, 90% of wine consumed is produced locally. We can cite the major national brands such as Changyu, Great Wall or Dynasty. Today, the wine market in China is becoming a major issue. And so, in order to gain a foothold in this developing market, France bas signed an agreement with the Chinese government and is participating, for example, in the creation of a model vineyard in the Beijing region.

With 1.7 million euros, the largest budget for agricultural co-operation has ever been financed. France has provided the installation, the cellar and one hundred thousand vines for planting, chosen from 16 different grape varieties, as well as technical expertise. In order to become the benchmark of quality in China, France aims to produce a wine worthy of its most prestigious estates.

On the ground, French experts are training Chinese personnels in the profession of winemaker. The issue measures up because the consumption of wine in China is less than 0.3 litres per person.

China is recognized as being the most promising market. In order to adapt to world criteria, it has imported a great number of grape varieties, some of which widely known, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay.

In China 80% of vineyards produce red wine, with the other 20% dedicated to the production of white.

Quality, up-market products, great estates and France-Chinese partnerships are the great trends at the moment.

In 2004, 370,000 tonnes of wine were produced in China, which is 15% more than in 2003. As the Chinese knowledge of wine gradually increases, it is felt that the competition is going to concentrate more and more on the up-market sectors. There is, therefore, a real need for wine-making equipment in this country.

 (Source: www.asia-interprise-vinitech-china.com )