The market success of German wine in China was duly celebrated at a dinner in the well-known Kerry Hotel Pudong in Shanghai.
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Manuela Liebchen pointed out that over the past five years, the Chinese wine market has experienced a decline in the total amount of all imported wine, dropping from 2.67 billion US dollars in 2018 to 1.32 billion US dollars in 2022.
Highs in terms of import volume and value
However, despite this market downturn, German wine has displayed exceptional resilience and growth. In fact, German wine has not only weathered the storm but also reached historic highs in terms of import volume and value in 2021 and 2022 respectively. From 2016 to 2022, the volume of German wine imports experienced a significant growth of 26%, rising from 3.81 million liters to 4.81 million liters. Simultaneously, the import value witnessed an increase of 58%, leaping from $16.43 million to $25.88 million US dollars.
As a result of this impressive performance, Germany jumped from the 11th position in 2016 to the 7th in 2022, increasing in its import market share from 0.7% to 2% among the countries that import wine to China. This impressive accomplishment is a testament to the strong demand for German wine in China.
Riesling fascinates with remarkable food pairing capacity
One of the key contributors to this success is the best known grape of Germany – Riesling. This elegant and versatile grape has captured the hearts of wine consumers in China. Its' easy-drinking nature and remarkable food pairing capacity have fascinated the new generations of consumers, especially young female consumers across the country.
However, it is important to note that Riesling is not the only variety that has achieved popularity in China. Other signature German varieties, such as Spätburgunder, Silvaner and Pinot Blanc, has also won the hearts of Chinese wine enthusiasts.
Immense potential for growth
As we witness the further development of the Chinese market, it becomes evident that the consumption of white wine, particularly German Riesling, holds immense potential for growth.
In the speech of Manuela Liebchen, marketing manager of the Deutsches Weininstitut, she also mentioned the excellent performance of the Wines of Germany China team: "I am incredibly proud to introduce our team to you: Jeuce, Mateus and Ines. Since the opening of our China agency in 2015, their clear marketing strategies, exceptional event execution and hard work have been instrumental in the growing popularity of German wine in China."
The German wine importers and educators play a vital role in fostering the success of German wine in China. Therefore, to honor their great contribution, Wines of Germany presented the awards for the 2023 Best German Wine Importers and Best Educators.
2023 Best German Wine Educator
Rachel Wang
David Liu
Nick Cao
2023 Best German Wine Importer
China Sunshine Pioneer Trade Co. Ltd.
Shaoxing Jili Supply Chain Co., Ltd.
Joy Pattern (Beijing) Trading Co., Ltd.
Xiamen Orange Trio Trading Co., Ltd.
Lin Den (Hangzhou) Trading Co., Ltd.
Zhengzhou Tengan Industry & Trade Co., Ltd.
Certiz Premier Products
Jinan Quandt Wines Trading Co.,Ltd
German Wine Alliance (China) Co., Ltd.
Hangzhou Siriuswine Co., Ltd.
Xiamen Leisi Imp. & Exp. Co., Ltd.
Beijing Dekailihua Technology & Trading Co., Ltd.
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Contact persons
Frank Schulz
Abteilungsleitung Kommunikation / Head of communication department