Oct. 3 – The Chinese market is one of the most promising when it comes to wines, as it is already the world’s largest importer by volume and value, with nearly 120 million liters of wine imported into China in the first five months of 2013 (+26.5 % over the same period in 2012), amounting to $610 million (+14%). China is in third place globally for red wine consumption, with an increase of 5-6 % per annum and a steady rise in consumption per capita (1.31 liters in 2012 compared to 0.3 in the 2003). According to forecasts, China will become the first consumer in the world by 2015. These figures prompted Italy to strengthen its presence in the country through Vinitaly International and its representative office in Shanghai that will open on October 7. With the aim of supporting the “system” and the efforts of Italian producers approaching China, Veronafiere has been operating directly (since 1998) on the market with a series of initiatives under the Vinitaly International project. The brand was launched to promote the excellence of Italian wines in the world through direct supervision of important and strategic international markets. The opening of the representative office in Shanghai within the ICE offices is a further important step in Vinitaly’s strategy to support both the image of Italian wines and the local investments from wine companies. In addition to this, carried out also thanks to the Salone di Verona, which in 2012 saw China in the “Top Ten” list for foreign visitors, Vinitaly International directly oversees the Chinese market to support Italian companies in the development of relations and the creation of business opportunities. “To better address the Chinese market and its opportunities, Italian producers must speak with one voice and Vinitaly will continue to be in the front line to help them exploit their full potential – said Giovanni Mantovani, Director General of VeronaFiere – The representative office in Shanghai is located within the ICE headquarters to not only provide concrete support to those active in the market, but also to reinforce the image of smooth cooperation and synergy among Italian institutions abroad. Until October 7, Vinitaly will participate in the Wuhan Salon, the Hubei city described by the China Wine Report as the metropolis with the greatest potential for wine market growth. On November 7-9, Vinitaly International will make a stop in Hong Kong and in March it will be at Fuorisaloni in Chengdu, the most important b2b appointment of the sector. On the occasion, Vinitaly will present its Vinitaly International Academy training initiative, in collaboration with the most influential associations of local sommelier and wine educators.”
