In China’s baijiu capital, three very different wine bars are defying the odds — one pairing wine with Sichuan snacks, another built on personal charm, and a third moving thousands of bottles in a live music venue. What’s their secret to survival in a city where baijiu still rules? Read More
Market analysis
With just a junior high school education, Zhuang built one of China’s largest alcohol smuggling rings, evading $20 million in taxes and exposing a vast underground network exploiting e-commerce and Hong Kong trade routes. Read More
While the Liv-ex Fine Wine 100 Index posted its steepest monthly drop since August 2023 in April, Asian buyers have begun to fill the gap left by the retreating U.S. market—led by a resurgent demand for Burgundy. Read More
Natural wine is gaining traction in China, and the market’s growth potential may be limitless, according to Isabelle Legeron MW, founder of Raw Wine and France’s first female Master of Wine, who believes only “sky is the limit” once it catches on. Read More
Aldi, the German supermarket giant, is doubling down on its ultra-low-price wine strategy in China. Following last year’s launch of its “996” wine — six … Read More
Sparkling wine emerged as a bright spot in China, but according to IWSR, the market will face continued pressure. Between 2024 and 2029, the overall Total Beverage Alcohol (TBA) category is expected to contract at a -1% CAGR, while wine is projected to decline -3% annually. Read More
Carrefour’s decades-long presence in China is nearing its end, after controlling shareholder Suning announced it would sell four of the supermarket chain’s regional subsidiaries for just RMB 4. Read More
What are Shanghai’s top-selling wines? We dug into sales data from Waima—Meituan’s alcohol delivery arm—to find out what the city’s drinkers are really reaching for. The results might surprise you. Read More
One year after Thailand scrapped its steep import duties on wine, consumption—particularly of premium labels—has soared. But a new study warns the policy may be costing the country far more than it gains. Read More
Antinori on how a decentralised distribution strategy drove growth in China — and why it’s in no hurry to join the low- and no-alcohol wine trend. Read More