US wine exports to China to jump more than 18%

Source：California State Trade and Expor Release Date：2013-11-08 206

Food & Beverage

California wine producers stake their claim at the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair

HONG KONG – The United States is on track for record wine exports in 2013 with sales to China expected to surpass the 18% increase registered last year. This would be the fourth straight year of increasing shipments, especially those from California.

Figures from the Wine Institute, an advocacy group based in San Francisco, estimated US$1.4 billion of US wine exports in 2012, with indications from a number of producers that they are on track to do better this year, driven by a strengthening Chinese currency, and a growing middle class who are clamouring for California labels.

The Golden State is responsible for more than 90% of the wine exports and 13 leading producers and distributors from the well-known growing regions, such as Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles and Temecula, will be attending the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair at booth 3G-A02, Wines of California Pavilion this week.

Showcasing quality-assured wine and spirits products with tasting sessions throughout the show, Wines of California Pavilion has attracted numerous quality buyers from around the world

Among them will be Beachside Wines, Callaway Vineyard & Winery, Ca’ Del Grevino, Field Vineyards, Four Sisters Ranch - Serena's Vineyard, Keyways Vineyard And Winery, Grand Napa Vineyards, Henry Louis Wines, Spicy Vines, Tristant Vineyards, VinAsia, WineExport.com and a spirit producer, Black Momma Vodka.

Jeff Williamson, director, California State Trade and Export Promotion (California STEP), said reports that poor weather conditions have affected wine production in Europe indicate there will be a global wine shortage.

“Recent reports indicate there is a global wine shortage, due to poor weather affecting wine production in Europe This provides a perfect opportunity for California wine exporters to capitalize on growing opportunities in China and other parts of Asia.” said Mr Williamson at the Wines of California Pavilion. “China’s rising middle class is one of the world’s largest and fastest growing wine markets.”

US wineries exported $74 million to China in 2012 and $115 million to Hong Kong, which acts as a regional wine trading hub, with 22% exported. Elsewhere in Asia, Japan accounted for $111 million of exports; Vietnam, $27 million; and South Korea, $16 million, the Wine Institute reported.

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