Japanese fund invests in leading Chinese distributor

One of the leading fine wine distributors in Greater China – East Meets West Fine Wines (EMS) – has received investment from Cool Japan Fund (CJF).

This partnership could have significant effects on the Chinese wine and sake market.

EMW has been steadily growing since its creation in 2003, and is currently marketing and distributing more than 80 brands from 15 countries to over 150 cities across China, Hong Kong and Macau. The company has been awarded best importer in China by Wine 100 for eight consecutive years.

But this new partnership will allow EMW to take its premium wine business to a new level while furthering its development into sake and craft spirits.

“The combination of EMW’s market knowledge, strong distribution network, and CJF’s financing, digital marketing, lifestyle and sake & spirits expertise gives us new opportunities and creates synergies,” said EMW CEO Edouard Duval.

“This partnership makes us even stronger players in the market and creates exciting opportunities for our employees, customers, and supplier-partners.”

Yuji Kato, COO and CIO of CJF, said he is “very excited” about the company’s latest investment.

“EMW has been operating with great success for over 15 years in the fastest growing wine market in the world,” Kato said.

“CJF sees a great opportunity to join forces to further leverage its excellent marketing platform in China for the quality sake project, while continuing the development of EMW’s solid wine and spirits business.”