The trend of the wine sector in China

The wine market in China, currently the fifth largest, is reorganizing the wine industry worldwide. It tends to become the world’s second largest consumer country after the USA. At the moment it prefers French wines but the potential is enormous since it is a large market, with curiosity and great purchasing power. In the next 5 years consumption increases of 53% are expected, only in this country. But it is important to know that it is a highly competitive market and therefore a strong export experience is needed.

Some important points about the wine consumer in China:

Chinese consumers prefer red wine (80%) to white (20%)

Buy regularly online (49%) in a higher percentage than in other countries. They look for information in WeChat and Weibo

– The number of wine consumers in China increases annually.

Annual import increases exceed 30%.

The preferred wines at import level: France, Australia, Chile, Spain, Italy, USA

Annual consumption per capita is 0.5 L.

– The average age of the Chinese consumer is in the range 18-29 years.

Consume the best known brands, influenced by very prestigious luxury brands

– They prefer very aesthetic packagings and wines with low alcohol content.

The most consuming cities are: Beijing, Shanghai or Canton

Their own wine usually costs the consumer twice as much as in Spain.

Increased knowledge of Spanish wines.

The HORECA channel represents 2/3 of the total market value.

CHINE WINE TRENDS - Barcelona Export

Other links of interest:

The gastronomic market in France

Vinisud and Vinovision 2019, two major French wine shows

The organic wine market in France

Vinisud 2018, the French trade-show of the Mediterranean wines

Barcelona Export visits the Girona Gastronomical Forum 2017

Global wine trends and trade shows

Alcohol-free wines, Easy drinking, canned Spritzer, vegan or organic wines – all these are relevant keywords in the latest trends of the wine industry. While the general number of wine consumption decreases, the number of non-drinkers, environmentally and health conscious people is on the rise. By now, many wineries have adapted to these new patterns and are exchanging their novelties worldwide. In the course of this, wine trade fairs have become more and more valuable, since they are great ways for networking, building brand recognition and spotting new trends.

WORLD WINE PRODUCERS - Barcelona Export

New players shape the industry

France, Italy and Spain have long been well-known players in the wine industry. Within the past years, however, the scene in this sector has drastically changed: Countries of the “New World”, including Chile, Australia, South Africa and Argentina, have stepped up to top positions. Nevertheless, it is China that has developed the most, not only in terms of production but also regarding consumption. And the trend is about to continue. This nation makes up for the world’s largest importer of wine and the growing consumer base makes it an attractive place for growers. Also trade shows have adapted to this change in the industry and besides the major fairs in Europe, also other continents like Asia and America become more and more interesting and interested in hosting trade events.

The major trade shows for viniculture are:

Vinitaly, Italy

Italy is not only the country producing the highest quantities of wine, but also the host of the largest wine trade show worldwide: Bringing together more than 4.000 exhibitors and 128.000 visitors from 143 countries (2018), Vinitaly takes place once a year in Verona, Italy. The next chance for guests to take part at conferences, workshops, tastings and other events is from April 7th-10th, 2019.

ProWein, Germany

Germany’s major wine exhibition ProWein also has the reputation to be one of the world’s leading networking events. It is the number 1 meeting place for professionals from viticulture, production, trade and gastronomy. In 2018, 6.681 exhibitors presented their wines to more than 60.000 visitors. By now, the fair itself has expanded to the global level and experts from the wine industry can visit ProWine China in Shanghai (November 13th -15th 2019) or ProWine Asia, either in Hong Kong (May 7th-10th, 2019) or Singapore (2020). In Europe, the next edition happens March 17th-19th, 2019 in Düsseldorf.

Vinexpo, France

Since 1981, Vinexpo has connected experts of the wine industry to boost sales and stimulate the market. Taking place in Bordeaux (May 13th-16th, 2019), Hong Kong, Tokyo, Miami and Paris (2020), it is the only trade event of the wine and spirits sector that takes place on all three continents with the highest consumption rate. The new format “Vinexpo Explorer” is an exclusive event to promote one specific region with high potential each year.

ExpoVinis, Brasil

South America’s biggest wine show ExpoVinis takes place in São Paulo, Brazil and is often the market entry point for wine producers from abroad. Various countries from South America, like Chile and Argentina, count to the New World in wines and their importance should therefore not be underrated. The next edition is taking place June 11th-14th, 2019.

 Asia

Besides ProWine and Vinexpo, also the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair (HKTDC) might be interesting for insiders of the sector. The HKTDC is one of the most influential Asian Wine trade fair that brought together nearly 20.000 trade buyers and many more public visitors in 2017. How many people will join the fair from November 7th-9th, 2019?

 Good Food & Wine Show, Australia

Several times every year, the Good Food & Wine Show can be visited in Australia. Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane all open their doors to display the latest trends of the wine industry.

More related information:

Vinisud and Vinovision 2019, two major French wine shows

The organic wine market in France

Our service of accompaniment at fairs

Vinisud 2018, the French trade-show of the Mediterranean wines

Case of success: The internationalisation of Singular Spirits’ artisanal spirits

Alimentaria 2018

Girona Gastronomical Forum 2017

Vinisud and Vinovision 2019, two major French wine shows

Vinisud will enter the 15th round: the next edition of the trade show of Mediterranean wines will take place from February 11th to 13th 2019 in the Parc des Expositions in Paris Nord Villepinte. For the first time, it will be held together with the Vinovision and therefore two large French wine shows will be combined.

Vinisud 2019 – the world of Mediterranean wines

Being ranked among the top 5 trade events for buyers, Vinisud brings together many Mediterranean wine producers as well as trade buyers from all over the continent. 1.500 exhibitors from countries like Spain, Italy, Portugal, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Greece, Israel, Lebanon, Cyprus, Malta, Turkey, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Macedonia and France present their wines and offer them to be tasted. About 30.000 trade visitors join the fair to make use of this B2B event. Unlike the last years, the next edition of Vinisud will not be held in Montpellier: In 2019, the Parc des Expositions in Paris Nord Villepinte will open its doors to welcome visitors from all around the world. Vinisud will continue to be held in Montpellier in even years.

Vinovision – the international cool climate wine exhibition

French cool climate wines are produced in the North of France and include not only red, rosé and white wines but also the majority of French sparkling wines, like the world famous Champagne. The fair is the perfect complement to Vinisud and takes place in Paris in odd-numbered years.

France and the wine industry

Wine consumption patterns: Due to the increase in the number of people who only casually consume wine as well as the one of non-consumers, the general amount of wine consumption in France is decreasing. Nevertheless, wine is still seen as the most popular alcoholic beverage when based on sales value. Furthermore, following tab and bottled water, wine is the most frequently found beverage at the dinner table.

However, not for nothing France is known for its wine: France is not only one of the biggest producers of wine regarding hectoliters, but also counts to the top 3 countries of exporting wine (together with Spain and Italy). These three nations make up for more than half of the world’s wine exports in terms of value of sales as well as in terms of volume. Even though France’s sales volume might be smaller than the one of its neighbors, its sales value is remarkably higher, which displays the predominance of premium wines in France.

The French “Wine week”

The month of February is said to be the most favorable period for purchasing in the wine calendar. Besides Vinisud and Vinovision, also the WWM Global business meetings will be held at the beginning of February: From February 7th to 10th 2019, they will be hosted at the 5-star Hôtel du Collectionneur in Paris. Therefore, a period of 7-days will be dedicated to wines thanks to the three successive events (WWM Global business meetings, Vinisud and Vinovision).

Barcelona Export – expert in the wine industry

Barcelona Export has already gained plenty of experience in accompanying companies of the viniculture sector during their internationalization process. During Vinisud 2018, we have supported our customer Bouquet d’Alella at the exhibition and could establish more than 50 contacts from various countries worldwide. Also in 2019’s edition, it would be our pleasure to help wine growers to promote their business on the international level.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like to make use of our experiences. In the case you want to participate at the exhibition, you can register at ICEX.

More related information:

Our service of accompaniment at fairs

Case of success: The internationalisation of GMS Sistemas

Case of success: The internationalisation of La Cuina de la Iaia’s gourmet croquettes

Case of success: The internationalisation of Singular Spirits’ artisanal spirits

Vinisud 2018, the French trade-show of the Mediterranean wines

The organic wine market in France

Peculiarities of the organic wine market

In the distribution of organic wine, it is important to distinguish between:

-the sector specialised in the distribution of organic products (wholesales of organic products, eco-friendly stores and organic grocery store chains on the one side

-and the not-speacialised sector (traders of wine, HORECA, great distribution) on the other side.

Other characteristics of the French organic wines market are:

– 74% of the volume of organic wines marketed are DO (Denomination of Origin)
– More than half of the organic wines consumed are red wines
– 12% of the organic wines consumed are sparkling wines
– Imports of organic wines are very weak (1%)
– Organic wines represent 12% of the organic consumption of households

France, the third biggest producer worldwide after Spain and Italy

France ranks third among the strongest producers worldwide, following Spain and Italy. These three countries represent 73% of the world’s vineyards.

Massive increase in the conversion of vineyards in Europe

Massive increase in the conversion of vineyards in Europe

In 2016, organic vineyards represent 9.1% of the French vineyards, that is to say that 68,556 hectares are covered by organic vineyards.  This shows an important evolution in recent years. In fact, areas converted to organic have increased eightfold since 2007 and we can now count more than 5,200 organic vineyards. In export, organic wine represents 2/3 of sales.

Major increase in vineyard conversion in France

Major increase in vineyard conversion in France

Origin of supplies according to the types of organic products

Origin of supplies according to the types of organic products

France produces 99% of the wine it sells.

Consumer habits in France

The consumption criteria are as follows:

– Origin of the wine
– respect for the environment
– AOP reputation
– price
– availability in the shop
– proximity of the product

French consumers have the habit of buying their wines directly from the producer (41% of total consumption in France).

Consumption according to the type of organic products

Consumption according to the type of organic products

The consumption of alcohol from organic farming has remained stable over the last 4 years and represents 12% of sales of organic products in France.

Profile of organic wine consumers

Profile of the type of consumer in France

Profile of the type of consumer in France

– In France, 1 out of 3 wine consumers consume this kind of wines
– 1 out of 6 environmental-conscious consumers drink them
– 12% of  consumers do not consume conventional wines
– 1% of French people only consume organic wine.
– Young people (between 18 and 24 years old) are especially interested in them. They represent 14% of consumers, compared to 8% who drink conventional wines. Young consumers are especially sensible to environmental reasons.
– According to the 2015 edition of the BIO Agengy’s barometer, 11% of consumers of organic wines intend to increase their consumption of this type of product over the next 6 months.
– 51% of French people would like to find a broader range of organic wines in supermarkets.

Conclusions about the market in France

French wines have a good image, but compete with Spanish or Italian in many countries.

In order to sell abroad, one has to put even more emphasis on their quality , its particularities and increase its participation at organic fairs (many in Europe), participation at competitions, organisation of tastings (wine shops, shops), in order to make them familiar among prestigious sommeliers.

There is a good perspective for implementing organic wines more and more in restaurants.

Other related links:

The packaging industry in France

The ICT market in France

Business opportunities in the home décor sector

The export of the promotional object in France

The exportation of the decoration sector to France

The organic wines market in France

The French gardening market

The market of organic products in France

Case of success: Singular Spirits, artisanal spirits

Singular Spirits: the company

Singular Spirits is a company from Madrid dedication to themaking and commercialisation of artisanal spirits of high quality, more precisely of Gins and Vodkas. A young company that has managed to develop new formulations, that are different and refreshing. It is committed to quality during the distillation and a refined marketing. Moreover, it focuses on a new consummation concept based on high quality products that bring new experiences to the consumers.

Handcrafted spirits of high quality: the manufacturing process

As has been noted, Singular Spirits produces Gin and Vodka of high quality with local Spanish ingredients. The production is artisanal, in small numbered batches with the aim to always achieve the most delicate and the purest alcohol.

Characteristics of Singular Spirits’ distillates in brief:

100% natural ingredients: without chemicals, colourings, or added sugars

Local product: with unique recipes and local ingredients

Traditional distillation: in small batches that allow to remain quality, purity and creativity.

Micro-distillation: elaboration and development in independent micro distilleries of the latest generation. Copper stills.

The product range

At this point, Singular Spirits’ product range is composed of:

1… Iradier y Bulfi Dry Gin: London Dry Gin, 100% natural, 42º, 7 botanicals. exclusive distillation of 300l, numbered bottles.

2… Iradier y Bufi Sipping Vodka: 100% natural, greatest purity, low distillations in copper. direct fermentation in the distillery. without additives. exclusive distillation of 300l. numbered bottles.

3… Martín Sessé Madrid Dry Gin: London Dry Gin, 100% natural, 42º. 14 natural and native botanicals, distillations of 600l. numbered bottles. slow distillation in copper. free of chemicals and sweeteners.

4… R.I.P Unfiltered Vodka: alcohol from the Tempranillo grape and grain, 4 distillations, 40º, distillations of 150l. numbered bottles. slow distillation in copper. free of chemicals and sweeteners.

Original and refined marketing

The whole product range has a story behind each of the brands in order to turn every tasting into a different and original experience. To every brand corresponds a name that conceals an adventurous and romantic story that helps us to enjoy our cocktails.

With a distinct and vintage look, Singular Spirits’ bottles remind us of those old pharmaceutical bottles in which the formulations were brewed.  They also carry us to the Wild West. And this is the inspiration for the whole corporate and communication image.

Participation at Alimentaria as international stepping stone

Soon after deciding to participate at the Alimentaria 2018, our client Singular Spirits  came to us, seeing need to make their presence profitable with their own stand design.

Barcelona Export was in charge of preparing an agenda with appointments for meetings at the stand during the days of the fair, as well as of managing the contact agendas coming from Alimentaria’s matchmaking. Hence, we organized their commercial documentation and we composed the contact mails and invitations to the fair.

Six different countries were chosen for the search for importers/ distributors of spirits and liquids, such as: UK, Germany, France, Benelux, Portugal and Italy. By seizing the Matchmaking of the exhibition, we also contacted importers / distributors of alcoholic beverages in the USA, Japan and Latin America.

Singular Spirits went to the trade show Alimentaria with 25 agreed contacts spread during the 4 days of the fair.

Barcelona Export - Singular Spirits Alimentaria 2018

Results of the international commercial prospection

After all, it is our pleasure to declare that the participation of Singular Spirits at the Alimentaria was as impressive as their products themselves. Their stand design and their products of great attractiveness together with Barcelona Export’s prospection efforts resulted in an event that ended up bringing 124 new contacts to our client.  The majority passed by our stand and took the opportunity to taste their Gins and Vodkas. Others requested information via mail and telephone, since they could not come to Barcelona.

We accompanied our client at the stand during the days of the exhibition in order to assist them with different languages and ways of negotiating with the different countries. People from various countries dropped by to visit: Spain, Catalonia, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Germany, Guatemala, Indonesia, Italia, Kenya, Latvia, Malaysia, Malta, Portugal, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, UK, Taiwan, USA, Sweden, Singapore, Romania, Russia, Tunisia, Czech Republic, El Salvador, Switzerland and Qatar.

After the fair we took care of writing the mails thanking for the visit at the stand at Alimentaria. Furthermore, we were in charge of the follow up. Additionally, we could provide an extensive data base with possible importers and distributors of international liquors and distillates. They can now start to close commercial deals for distribution.

We wish Singular Spirits a unique and successful internationalization!

Other interesting links:

Service for international fairs

Examples for other realized services:

The Spanish international fair of the agri-food sector: Alimentaria 2018

Vinisud 2018, the French trade-show of the Mediterranean wines

Barcelona Export visits the Girona Gastronomical Forum 2017

Barcelona Export participates in the Brokerage Event at Smart City Expo World Congress Barcelona 2017

The visit to Sial Paris 2016: great success of the exporting group of the Maresme

Barcelona Export carries out the international trip to the Sial Paris 2016 for 10 companies from Maresme

10 companies from Maresme at the International exhibition of Food Sial Paris 2016

Vinisud 2018, the French trade-show of the Mediterranean wines

As each year, Vinisud, the trade-show of the Mediterranean wines took place in Montpellier. The 18,19 and 20 of February 2018 the producers of Mediterranean wines welcomed the most important buyers from the 5 continents, during a trade-show which is considered as one of the most important competition in the world of wine.

Some figures about Vinisud

This edition 2018, the last to take place in Montpellier gathered 1500 exhibitors from various Mediterranean countries (France, Spain, Italy, Turkey, Portugal, Greece, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Israel, Lebanon, Cyprus, Malta, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Macedonia …) to give the world some 26 000 references of  still wines, sparkling wines, pearled wines, cavas and champagnes. The next edition of the Vinisud trade-show, in 2019 will take place in Paris.

 Tendències VInisud 2018

 

The world trend in wines

The general trend of the trade-show was the one of the responsible and durable techniques. And that is the reason why the presence of organic wines is increasingly strong. That is also why the fermentation processes without chemical ingredients are growing. Thus, buyers who were looking for wines without added sugar, without wine alcohol, with little or no barrel, with little batonnage to not tire the wines, balanced, fresh and lights were very numerous. The samples of rosés from Provence were very extensive as well as the Italian Prosecco, which competes directly with our cava and that has greatly increases its sales lately. We have also been able to confirm the good reputation of the Spanish wines and more specifically the Catalans wines, very often more valued for being lighter and easier to drink in new markets with a small culture of wine.

The presence of Barcelona Export

We attended the Vinisud Trade-show in the name of our client Bouquet d’Alella, a producer DO Alella of certificated organic wines which with 14 hectares of cultivated vineyards has high quality wines, in the spirit of the new world trends : low graduation wines, balanced, fresh, light, without additives, with very little barrel.

Barcelona Export has been responsible for contracting the space, decorating the stand, creating a contact agenda to organize meetings with buyers from various countries such as Finland, Norway,  Sweden, France, Poland, the USA, the UK and Costa Rica.

We had also accompanied our client during all the days of the trade-show in order to help with the translations and the international negotiations. To finish our service we managed the sending of the emails of thanks after the trade-show and the relevant following of each of the contact generated by the event.

We wish Bouquet d’Alella a lot of success in the international markets and we are convinced that it will arrive very soon.

           Vinisud meeting            Bouquet dalella Pau