Chinese wine associations establish first trade body

Seventeen wine associations across China have united in a bid to increase domestic wine sales and improve cooperation between the various wine regions.

The first ever trade body for Chinese wine associations has been established in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, reports Decanter China.

It is hoped that the China Wine Associations Alliance (CWAA) will help bring domestic wines to the market and become a contact point between wine producers and local distributors.

Secretary general, Jiansheng Zhang said: “[Our] aim is to improve the sales of domestic wines in major wine sales regions, spread wine culture and promote the development of the wine industry.

“This year, [we] will focus on getting more associations to join the alliance. And organising wine trips for distributors and consumer leaders to visit domestic wineries.”

Many Chinese cities and provinces have their own wine associations but this is the first time they have collaborated together.

There are 17 initial members of CWAA including Chengdu Wine & Spirit Association, Hong Kong Wine Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce and Ningxia Yinchuan Grape and Wine Industry Association.

“As wine associations, we all share the same passion and commitment on wine, and it is powerful for promoting the development of the wine production, sales and consumption in China,” added Zhang.