Two of China’s publicly traded drinks retailers, VATS Liquor and Liquor Easy, reported first-half losses as weaker spending and falling prices for major spirits brands put pressure on sales, prompting efforts to cut costs and reduce inventory. Read More
Baijiu
Chinese baijiu producer Guotai has launched two whiskies made using traditional baijiu fermentation methods and matured in bourbon casks, joining a growing number of domestic spirits companies seeking growth beyond a pressured baijiu market. Read More
Nearly 44% of Moutai’s revenue now comes through iMoutai, even as profit declines and distributors report sluggish demand for Feitian. Read More
Hong Kong-listed Grace Vineyard has taken another step away from its roots as one of China's best-known boutique wineries, investing in a historic baijiu producer as its new controlling shareholder accelerates plans to build a broader alcohol business. Read More
China has moved to regulate alcohol-free wine and beer alongside conventional alcoholic beverages, tightening controls on sales to minors in its first comprehensive update on the country’s drinks regulation in 21 years following the fast rise of e-commerce and instant retail. Read More
Smaller celebrations, tighter budgets and changing attitudes are reshaping one of the drinks industry's most dependable sales channels. Read More
China has officially named its 80 biggest drinks chains for the first time. The leader runs more than 3,500 stores; the gap to No. 80 is over 350-fold. Read More
The global alcohol market contracted for a third consecutive year in 2025 and for the first time spirits overtook wine in volume. Read More
When official figures show one of China's consumer categories posting double-digit growth, you'd expect the people selling that product to be feeling pretty good. Yet interviews with listed companies, traditional distributors, liquor retailers and regional industry associations tell a strikingly different story. Read More
The next wave of Australian spirits is landing in Shanghai. Meet 20 distilleries in one tasting. Read More