CGI wraps up Southern China wine tour

HENDERSON, Nevada -- California Grapes International, Inc. (CGI), a leading provider of full service export, marketing, promotions, distribution and sales for the CA Wine Industry internationally, has secured purchase orders and distribution channels in Southern China to increase its sales revenue in the next year for this area at well above $1 million.

The California wine delegation tour in Guangzhou, China, was a sponsored by the California Wine Institute, the Agriculture Trade Office, and the Pearl River Delta American Wine Import Association working together to create a very successful event.

The main focus was to promote California wines in Hong Kong and China, and CGI was honored to represent Schug’s Winery. As a member of California Wine Institute and a premier producer of Caneros Valley Pinot Noir, Shug Caneros Estate Wines have been recognised and celebrated for over 30 years.

The California wine market in China is growing dramatically and this is noticeable in the demographics of young upper class Chinese, attending the event. This group will be the key to the success of the California wine industry in China: They are well travelled with disposable income, mostly educated in American universities, and have knowledge of the quality and value of California wines.

The total U.S. wine exports, 90% from California, hit a record $1.39 billion in 2011, up 22% compared to the previous year. Hong Kong remained California's third largest export market by value after the European Union and Canada, and revenues reached $163 million, up 39 per cent. Exports to Japan were up 39% to $105 million; China had 42% growth with $62 million; Viet Nam was up 266% to $21 million; and South Korea was up 13% to $13 million.