(22 March 2016) 39 stands, 582 labels, 131 brands… These are the Italian numbers at the International Wine and Spirits Show, side event of the China Food and Drink Fair held in Chengdu, the most important wine region in China, that will welcome more than 300.000 professionals. The event (which kicked off on 20 March and will close its doors on March 23) sees Italy in the spotlight, thanks to Vinitaly – there to promote the excellence of Italian wine abroad. “Italy is a world leader in the production and export of wine, but in China we can do more,” said Ambassador Ettore Sequi in s video message sent to manifest the full support of the Italian institutions to the companies now in Chengdu. “The Chinese market still offers unexplored opportunities – continued Sequi – so I invite all industry players to come together and address the challenges in a coherent manner. As demonstrated in other fields, being an SME doesn’t always constitute a limitation. If well organized, Italian companies can also establish themselves in a market of continental dimensions like China”. Italian wine exports to China, although growing, have not yet expressed their full potential, as mentioned by Ambassador Sequi. According to ISTAT data, in 2015 Italy exported wine in China for approximately €90 million, with an 18% increase over the previous year. From a quantitative point of view, in 2015 Italy exported to China about 27 million liters of wine, for a total growth of 5.5%. Average prices grew up from €2.96 to about €3.30 / liter. However, the current position of Italian wine in China (especially for the market share it occupies) doesn’t yet match the the role that Italy plays in the global wine scene, where it’s the first producing country and the second largest exporter. The Ambassador concluded by recalling that the Italian Embassy and Consulates in China – as well as the Italian Trade Agency offices – stand by the Italian companies in the battle for their affirmation and dissemination of their products on the Chinese market: “It’s a commitment for our business but also in favor of our culture and our identity.” (Red)
