Breaking: China Formally Becomes 51st OIV Member

China’s application for membership in the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) was formally accepted on Nov. 14, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the country’s engagement with the global wine and viticulture community.

The news came following our earlier report of China’s anticipated full membership in November at the organization’s 100th anniversary celebration.

The application, submitted by China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs on May 14, 2024, underwent a six-month consultation period, which concluded successfully. With this acceptance, China becomes the 51st member of the OIV, an intergovernmental organization that shapes international standards and cooperation in viticulture, winemaking, and trade.

A Global Viticultural Power

China’s membership underscores its importance in the global wine and grape industry. China currently ranks as the world’s 9th largest wine consumer (6.3 million hectoliters) and has the third-largest area under vines (756,000 hectares) behind Spain and France, according to the OIV’s State of the World Vine and Wine in 2023.

The inclusion of China increases the OIV’s representativity to encompass 85% of the world’s planted vineyard surface. Over the next year, the Chinese government must ratify its membership, but the country will already have full participation in OIV activities and discussions.

The addition of China is expected to foster greater collaboration and exchange of expertise between China and other OIV member states, supporting the development of global wine standards and research.

Founded on November 29, 1924, in Paris, France, the OIV is an authoritative body in the international wine industry, known as the “provider of international standards.” It is one of the international organizations recognized and published by ISO, and OIV standards are adopted by the World Trade Organization (WTO) for wine-related matters.

The organization studies scientific, technical, and economic issues related to the cultivation of grapes, the production, storage, sale, and consumption of wine, grape juice, table grapes, and raisins. Over 95% of the world’s wine-producing countries participate in the organization, which includes 50 member countries such as France and Italy.