The Wine Chronicle《品醇集》

連拉菲也折讓三成     2024年波爾多期酒開價回到十年前

NEWS 12-5-2025

波爾多2024年期酒周已正式拉開帷幕，各大酒莊正在以盡量低的價格，來吸引買家出手。其中，頂級莊Château Lafite Rothschild 開出的售價，讓時光倒流十年，與2014年份相同，其他酒莊的開價策略也大約相同。

WINE TO ASIA 2025 OPENS IN SHENZHEN TODAY

NEWS 9-5-2025

Wine to Asia 2025 opens today in Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center, over 500 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions will showcase their products.

INDIA AND UK AGREED ON FREE TRADE DEAL THAT WILL CUT 110% TARIFFS ON SCOTCH & GIN

NEWS 7-5-2025

India and UK have eventually agreed on a free trade agreement which will initially halve the Indian tariff on Scotch and British gin to 75 percent from 150 percent before falling to 40 percent by the tenth year of the deal.

AUSSIE WINE EXPORTS TO CHINA RECOVERED TO PRE-TARIFF VALUE AT AUD1.03B

NEWS 5-5-2025

Australia wine exports to China reached AUD 1.03 billion (USD663 million) by value and 96 million litres by volume between April 2024 and March 2025 , according to Wine Australia’s latest export report.

PREPARATION FOR PROWINE HONG KONG 2025 IN FULL SWING

NEWS 2-5-2025

ProWine Hong Kong 2025 is scheduled to be held in the Hong Kong Exhibition and Convention Centre on 14 to 16 May. There will be the largest-ever German wine pavilion, spanning 162 square meters and featuring 14 co-exhibitors.

CHILE IS CHINA’S TOP WINE SOURCE AS ITS WINE EXPORTS ON COURSE TO HIT USD1.35B

NEWS 30-4-2025

Chile was the top source of wine imports in China by volume in the first quarter of 2025, as the country's total wine exports is expected to exceed 130 million litres by volume and USD1.35 billion by value in the 2024-25 wine export season.

投資桶裝威士忌     機遇與風險並存

NEWS 28-4-2025

近年來，威士忌投資備受矚目，其中桶裝威士忌因具備獨特魅力，吸引不少投資者目光。但桶裝威士忌究竟是否值得投資？這需要從多方面深入分析。

JAPAN’S KIRIN BREWERY SETS AMBITIOUS EXPORT TARGET FOR FUJI WHISKY

NEWS 25-4-2025

Japan’s Kirin Brewery is making significant strides in the global whisky market with its Fuji whisky brand, the company has set an ambitious target of boosting its whisky sales abroad to around ¥3.5 billion (USD27 million) by 2030.

CHINA’S SNOW BEER LAUNCHED IN SOUTH KOREA

NEWS 23-4-2025

China’s Snow Beer has been launched in South Korea earlier this month and is distributed exclusively by Heineken Korea.

VIETNAM WINE & SPIRITS EXPO SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDED

NEWS 21-4-2025

The Vietnam Wine and Spirits Expo has been successfully concluded on 19 April having attracted 28,000 participants, underscoring its growing significance in the regional and global markets.

AMERICAN BOURBON IS RIDING HIGH IN INDIA

NEWS 18-4-2025

The popularity of American Bourbon in India is on a remarkable upward trajectory thanks to its appeal to a wide spectrum of Indian consumers.

CHINESE BAIJIU HUB GUIZHOU PROVINCE TO MAKE HIGH-PROFILE PRESENCE IN MAY S’PORE SHOW

NEWS 16-4-2025

The provincial government of China’s inland Guizhou province will make a high-profile presence at the Singapore International Wine and Spirits Exhibition to be held from 27 to 29 May.

KIWI WINE FESTIVAL TO RETURN TO SEOUL AND BUSAN IN MAY

NEWS 14-4-2025

The New Zealand Wine Festival will return to Seoul and Busan next month. The event in Seoul will be held on 4 May at The Grand Hyatt Waterfall Garden, while the Busan event will remain at the Park Hyatt in Marine City. Registration is now open.

JAPANESE WHISKY SEEKS G.I. STATUS

NEWS 10-4-2025

The Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association has announced plans to apply for Geographical Indication (G.I.) status for Japanese whisky.

SUNTORY LOOKS TO PRODUCE & SELL LOCALLY AS GLOBAL MARKETS HIT BY TRADE WAR

NEWS 8-4-2025

Japanese drinks giant Suntory is looking to shift to producing and selling locally as it girds for a potential trade war triggered by President Trump’s tariff policy.

全球酒業無法承受特朗普的關稅政策

NEWS 7-4-2025

美國總統特朗普於4月2日簽署關於對等關稅行政令，宣布美國對貿易夥伴加徵 10% 的最低基準關稅 ，對歐盟徵收 20%對等關稅，還曾威脅對來自法國和其他歐盟國家的葡萄酒、香檳及酒精飲品徵收 200% 的關稅。他的關稅政策猶如一颗投入平靜湖面的巨石，在全球葡萄酒和烈酒行業激起千層浪，對行業的生產、銷售及市場都會產生深遠影響。

USA’S SAZERAC & JAPAN’S NIKKI MAKE FORAY INTO INDIA

NEWS 3-4-2025

USA’s Sazerac and Japan’s Nikki are the latest international brands to make a foray into India, aiming to capitalise on the country's burgeoning demand for premium whiskies.

VINEXPO KICKS OFF ASIA ROADSHOW 2025 IN FOUR ASIAN COUNTRIES

NEWS 1-4-2025

Vinexposium, the French organiser of Vinexpo shows, has kicked off the Vinexpo Asia 2025 Roadshow. This roadshow serves as an enhancer to the Vinexpo Asia 2025 show which has just been concluded in Singapore.

CHINA’S CRAFT BEER INDUSTRY IS BOOMING WITH DISTINCTIVE FLAVOURS FOR CHINESE PALATE

NEWS 31-3-2025

China’s craft beer industry is rapidly growing producing niche products with distinctive flavours catered to the Chinese palate.

BANGKOK’S GAGGAN NAMED ASIA’S BEST RESTAURANT FOR THE 5th TIME

NEWS 27-3-2025

Bangkok’s Gaggan took the crown of Asia’s best restaurant for a remarkable fifth time in the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 awards held on 25 March in Seoul. Hong Kong's The Chairman and Wing came second and third.

HONG KONG’S SPIRITS TRADE GREW 150% IN VALUE SINCE SLASHING DUTIES

NEWS 25-3-2025

The value of spirits traded in Hong Kong has increased 150 percent while volumes boosted by 60 percent since the government slashed spirits duties last October.

FRENCH FOREIGN MINISTER WILL VISIT CHINA THIS WEEK WITH COGNAC TARIFFS HIGH ON AGENDA

NEWS 24-3-2025

French foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot is set to visit China on 27 ad 28 March, leaders of the Cognac industry have reportedly urged the foreign minister to persuade Beijing to extend the anti-dumping investigation deadline by three months.

BANCROFT WINE ACQUIRED RIOJA BODEGAS TO MEET RISING DEMAND IN ASIA

NEWS 20-3-2025

British wine distributor Bancroft Wine acquired Bodegas Javier San Pedro in the Rioja Alavesa region, with a view to meet the increasing demand for Rioja wines in the Asian market.

SPARKLING WINES SURGED 25% IN ASIA SO FAR THIS YEAR, DRIVEN BY S’PORE & JAPAN

NEWS 18-3-2025

Sales of sparkling wines has seen a staggering 25 percent increase in this year so far, driven by Singapore and Japan.

CHINESE BAIJIU INDUSTRY CALLS ON BEIJING TO HELP WITH INTERNATIONALISATION PUSH

NEWS 17-3-2025

Bosses of baijiu distilleries including Guijing Gongjiu, Luzhou Laojiao and Shede Spirits, who attended the two sessions as deputies, have called on the central government to help with their internationalisation effort.

加拿大下架美國威士忌     貿易戰下的酒業震盪

FOCUS 13-3-2025

美國總統特朗普向加拿大加徵 25% 關稅，加拿大採取了一系列報復行動，其中安大略省將美國威士忌等酒類產品從商店貨架撤下的舉動引發廣泛關注。此次事件不僅是兩國貿易衝突的直接體現，也對酒類行業的供應鏈和市場格局產生了深遠影響。

JAPAN’S ALCOHOLIC DRINKS MARKET GROWS AMID CHANGING TRENDS

NEWS 11-3-2025

Japan’s wine and spirits market in Japan has been on the upward trajectory amid changing consumer preferences and market trends.

VINEXPO ASIA TO RETURN TO SINGAPORE 27-29 MAY

NEWS 10-3-2025

Vinexpo Asia is returning to Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands from 27 to 29 May, after the successful debut in 2023

THE SUCCESS OF EU-INDIA TRADE TALKS NEXT WEEK HINGES ON WINE & SPIRITS TARIFFS

NEWS 6-3-2025

The European Union is set to request India to lower its tariffs on wines and spirits in the next round of free trade talks to open next week.

挑戰重重     波爾多還能再領風騷嗎?

FOCUS 4-3-2025

波爾多葡萄酒在全球經濟環境不佳等多重因素的交織影響下，正面臨重大挑戰。自2022年2月以來，衡量波爾多精品葡萄酒市場的波爾多500指數下跌了10.3%，追蹤波爾多五大一級莊葡萄酒價格的佳釀50指數跌幅更是達到15.3%，波爾多在二級市場的交易份額從2018年的 60% 降至2023年的40%。風雨過後，波爾多能再次登頂嗎？

CHINA WINE IMPORTS SURGED 39.6% IN 2024 DRIVEN BY RESURGENCE OF AUSSIE WINES

NEWS 3-3-2025

Customs data showed that China's wine import value increased 39.6% in 2024 reaching RMB 11.47 billion (USD1.58b), mainly driven by the resurgence of Australian wines.

EXPORT VALUE OF CHINESE BAIJIU SURGED 20.4% TO REACH USD9.7B IN 2024

NEWS 27-2-2025

The internationalisation effort of Chinese baijiu is gradually taking shape, the export value surged by 20.4 percent last year reaching USD9.7 billion, while average price per litre climbed by 13.3 percent to reach USD59.

W.H.O. CALLS FOR MANDATORY CANCER WARNINGS ON ALCOHOL PACKAGING

NEWS 25-2-2025

The World Health Organisation (WHO) said that cigarette-style cancer warning should be printed on alcohol packaging.

稀缺如勃艮第也敵不過市場壓力

FOCUS 24-2-2025

在投資的世界裡，勃艮第葡萄酒曾被不少人視為財富的聖杯。但市場的變化總是讓人猝不及防，2024年由於勃艮第高端葡萄酒價格大幅下跌，葡萄酒交易所 Liv - ex 的勃艮第 150 指數顯示，截至 11 月底，勃艮第葡萄酒的價格當年下跌了 14.4%，像Domaine Georges Roumier 的 Bonnes Mares Grand Cru 2020 年份葡萄酒，價格下降了 44%。

JAPANESE DRINKS GIANTS TO DOUBLE VINE AREAS BY 2027 TO MEET RISING GLOBAL DEMANDS

NEWS 20-2-2025

Japanese drinks giants are working to double their vineyard areas by 2027 to meet rising global demands for Japanese wines made from locally grown native varieties.

INDIA SUCCUMBED TO TRUMP PRESSURE BY CUTTING BOURBON TARIFF TO 100%

NEWS 18-2-2025

India reduced its tariff on Bourbon whiskey from 150 percent to 100 percent, one day after US President Donald Trump criticised India's "unfair" tariffs on American goods, particularly in the alcohol sector.

AUCTION PRICE FOR RARE JAPANESE WHISKY CONTINUES TO SLUMP WHILE SCOTCH STABILISES

NEWS 17-2-2025

The slump in auction price for rare Japanese whiskies continued last month as prices for fine Scotch whiskies started to stabilise, the price index compiled by Whiskystats shows.

FRENCH WINE & SPIRIT EXPORTS DROPPED 4% IN 2024 DRAGGED BY CHINA, HK & S’PORE

NEWS 14-2-2025

Exports of French wine and spirits totalled €15.6 billion (USD17.5b) last year, representing a 4 percent decline from 2023, dragged mainly by weak demands in China, Hong Kong and Singapore, according to French trade group data.

S. KOREAN SOJU GIANT HITEJINRO BUILDS FACTORY IN VIETNAM AS PART OF ITS GLOBAL AMBITION

NEWS 11-2-2025

Hitejinro, South Korea's largest soju producer, has begun construction of its first ever overseas factory in northern Vietnam. Scheduled to begin production in 2026, it will serve as a hub to expand the Jinro soju brand in the global market.

EXPORTS OF JAPANESE SAKE GREW 6% IN 2024 DRIVEN BY INTERESTS IN WESTERN MARKETS

NEWS 10-2-2025

Exports of Japanese sake defied gravity and grew by 6 percent in value in 2024 reaching ¥43.5 billion (USD386m), North America and Western Europe are the best performing markets while exports to Asia declined.

COGNAC BUREAU CALLED FOR IMMEDIATE BEIJING TALKS AS EXPORTS TO CHINA SLUMPED

NEWS 6-2-2025

The trade bureau of French Cognac makers called for the government to get negotiations with Beijing underway as exports to China slumped by 23.8 percent last year affected by China's anti-dumping measures.

DECANTER: FAKE-BUSTER DOWNEY CLEARS THE NAME OF WOOD CHEN’S WINE COLLECTION

NEWS 4-2-2025

Renowned fake-buster Maureen Downey estimated that just 1 to 2% of Wood Chen's collection are counterfiets after inspecting it in Taiwan, which is "extremly low" in the world of fine wine collection, Decanter.com reported.

ITALY’S CAMPARI GROUP OPENED OPERATING COMPANY IN SINGAPORE

NEWS 3-2-2025

Italian spirits group Campari has opened its own operating company in Singapore last month and started selling their products directly to consumers in the city state.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA’S WINEMAKERS BOOMED ON EXPORTS TO CHINA

NEWS 27-1-2025

Latest government statistics show that South Australian wine producers sold 11.8 million litres of wine, valued over AUD93 million (USD58.5m) to China in November 2024 alone.

HIGHLAND PARK RELEASED LIMITED EDITION OF ITS OLDEST EVER SINGLE MALT

NEWS 23-1-2025

Scotch distillery Highland Park has released its oldest ever single malt, only 170 bottles of the 56YO are on sale globally with a price tag of £40,000 (USD49,200) per piece.

ITALIAN TENOR ANDREA BOCELLI TO DEBUT HIS FAMILY WINES IN TAIWAN AHEAD OF APRIL CONCERT

NEWS 21-1-2025

Renowned Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will debut globally five of his family winery’s labels in Taiwan ahead of his April concert in Taipei Arena.

HEINEKEN RESUMES SUPPLY TO TELANGANA STATE AFTER “CONSTRUCTIVE TALKS”

NEWS 20-1-2025

Heineken-owned United Breweries said today that it has resumed beer supplies to India's Telangana state after "constructive" talks with the government which assured it would address the pricing and unpaid dues in a "time bound manner".

TAIWAN TO RAISE DUTY-FREE ALCOHOL ALLOWANCE BY 50% AHEAD OF CHINESE NEW YEAR

NEWS 16-1-2025

Travellers entering Taiwan would be allowed to bring in 1.5 litres of duty-free alcohol for their personal use starting from 25 January, the ministry of finance announced.

INDIA: HEINEKEN SUSPENDS SUPPLY AS TELANGANA STATE OWES USD606M TO GLOBAL DRINKS GIANTS

NEWS 14-1-2025

Heineken controlled United Breweries is withholding supplies in India’s Telangana State in a standoff with the state government over unpaid dues which has affected drinks giants including Diageo, Pernod Ricard and AB InBev as well.

REPORTS: NORTH KOREA PREPARING TO EXPORT SOJU & BEER PRODUCTS TO RUSSIA

NEWS 13-1-2025

Russian news media reported that North Korea has filed trade mark registrations for its Soju and beer products in Moscow signalling that the country is preparing to export the products to the Russian market.

MACRON: FRANCE NEW PM BAYROU WILL VISIT CHINA TO NEGOTIATE COGNAC TARIFFS

NEWS 9-1-2025

French President Emmanuel Macron said new Prime Minister Francois Bayrou will travel to China to try to make progress on the trade dispute that threatens Cognac sales.

WELSH SINGLE MALT & SUSSEX WINE AMONG 10 BRITISH DRINKS AWARDED G.I. STATUS IN JAPAN

NEWS 7-1-2025

Ten British alcoholic drinks including Welsh single malt, West country ciders and Sussex wines have gained geographical indication status from Japan.

ASIAN ALCOHOL SHARES DIPPED ON CALLS FOR CANCER WARNING IN USA

NEWS 6-1-2025

From Budweiser to Wuliangye, share prices of alcoholic drink makers in Asia declined after the Surgeon General of USA outlined a direct link between alcohol consumption and heightened cancer risk, and called for warning labels.

INDIAN THIEF FOUND HEAVILY DRUNK IN LIQUOR SHOP AHEAD OF NEW YEAR DAY

NEWS 2-1-2025

A thief in Hyderabad of India was found drunken in a liquor shop with cash and liquor bottles scattered around him. He has apparently overdone with celebrating his big loot ahead of New Year's Day.

COGNAC MAKER CAMUS & BAIJIU MAKER GUJING TO JOINTLY MAKE AROMATIC WHISKY IN CHINA

NEWS 23-12-2024

French Cognac maker Camus has opened a whisky distillery in China’s central Anhui Province in partnership with the Gujing distillery, maker of the 4th biggest Chinese baijiu brand Gujing Gongjiu, with an investment of USD30 million.

CONCHA Y TORO IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WULIANGYE TO GROW PRESENCE IN CHINA & ASIA

NEWS 19-12-2024

The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding for the partnership involving all aspects of sales and marketing include establishing sales channels, market promotion and brand building.

FADING NIGHT-LIFE SHOWS SOUTH KOREA’S HARD-DRINKING CULTURE IS SHIFTING

NEWS 17-12-2024

South Korean media said reasons behind the shift is multi-fold, the most important being a general reluctance of consumers to open their wallets due to higher interest rates and lingering inflation.

EUROSTAT: EUROPEAN WINE EXPORTS TO CHINA IN SHARP DECLINE

NEWS 16-12-2024

European wine exports to China has seen a sharp decline this year, according to Eurostat data. The most extreme case is Greece as its China wine exports crashed by 76 percent in the first three quarters of this year.

MAKER OF DASSAI SAKE PLANS TO BREW “DASSAI MOON” IN SPACE WITH PRICE TAG OF ¥100M

NEWS 12-12-2024

A launch is scheduled for the second half of 2025, ingredients will be sent to international space staion where fermentation will take place. Only one bottle of "Dassai Moon" will be made, proceed will be donated to Japan's space projects.

TWE TO ACQUIRE 75% STAKE OF NINGXIA’S STONE & MOON WINERY

NEWS 10-12-2024

The transaction price is RMB130 million (USD18m) and is expected to be completed in first half of 2025. TWE said Stone & Moon will play an important role in supporting the production of Penfolds Chinese wine portfolio.

IWSR: GLOBAL HOSPITALITY SECTOR SHOWS SIGNS OF REVIVAL LED BY BRICS COUNTRIES

NEWS 9-12-2024

A survey report by the IWSR, a global wine and spirits business think tank, shows that the global hospitality sector is showing signs of revival, in particular in developing economies including China, India, Brazil and South Africa.

JAPANESE SAKE INSCRIBED AS AN INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE BY UNESCO

NEWS 5-12-2024

Japanese sake was inscribed by UNESCO as an “intangible cultural heritage of humanity” yesterday in a meeting held in Luque of Paraguay.

INDIA REPORT: PREMIUM SEGMENT DRIVES GROWTH AS STATES ADOPT FAVOURABLE POLICIES

NEWS 3-12-2024

India’s alcoholic beverage industry is transforming as some state governments’ policies accelerate sales in the premium segment making it the key growth engine, the International Spirits and Wines Association of India said in a report.

HANYU ICHIRO’S FULL CARD SERIES STILL AVAILABLE AFTER BIDDING HAS CLOSED

NEWS 2-12-2024

A Hanyu Ichiro's Malt Full "Card" Series - one of the rarest and most coveted collections of Japanese Whisky - is still available at an estimate of €700,000 to €1.2 million after the online bidding for its sales has closed, Bonhams website has shown.

S. KOREAN MEDIA WATCHDOG SANCTIONED REALITY TV SHOW FOR GLAMORISING ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

NEWS 28-11-2024

The watchdog said popular reality TV show “I Live Alone” has repeatedly featured drinking scenes with captions glamorising alcohol consumption which it found inappropriate for a show intended for viewers aged 15 and older.

INTERCONTINENTAL SINGAPORE LAUNCHED WORLD’S 1st CHAMPAGNE DRIVE-THRU SERVICE

NEWS 26-11-2024

InterContinental Singapore has launched the world’s first Champagne drive-thru service where customers can get hold of a bottle in just a few minutes.

TRAVEL WARNING AS SIX TOURISTS DIED FROM METHANOL POISONING IN LAOS PARTY TOWN

NEWS 25-11-2024

US government issued travel warning as at least six western tourists have died after consuming methanol tainted alcoholic drinks in Vang Vieng, an idyllic Laotian town popular with foreign backpackers.

HENNESSY WORKERS ON OPEN-END STRIKE TO PROTEST COMPANY'S PLAN TO BOTTLE IN CHINA

NEWS 21-11-2024

Some 600 employees of French Cognac maker Hennessy, part of the LVMH group, went on strike on Tuesday to protest an experimental plan to export the drink in vats and then bottle locally in China to circumvent Beijing’s EU brandy tariffs.

SINGAPORE AIRLINES TO SERVE CRISTAL 2015 CHAMPAGNE FROM 1 DECEMBER

NEWS 19-11-2024

Initially available in flights between Singapore and Delhi, Hong Kong, London, Los Angeles, Paris, Shanghai, Sydney and Tokyo, the offering will rotate to other Suites and First Class routes on a three-month basis.

DIAGEO UNVEILED YUNTUO WHISKY DISTILLERY IN CHINA’S YUNNAN PROVINCE

NEWS 18-11-2024

Global drinks giant Diageo has unveiled the YunTuo (云拓) Single Malt Whisky Distillery in China’s Yunnan province, pledging to place China on the global whisky map with an investment of USD120 million that will span nine years.

FRANCE AND CHINA RENEWED TALKS ON BRANDY TARIFFS DURING SHANGHAI FAIR

NEWS 14-11-2024

France and China have renewed talks on European brandy tariffs during the China International Import Expo recently concluded in Shanghai, the French lobby groups said there have been some positive initial response from the Chinese side.

HOUSE OF SUNTORY OPENED NEW EXPERIENTIAL BOUTIQUE IN CHANGI AIRPORT

NEWS 12-11-2024

Japan’s House of Suntory has opened a new shop-in-shop experiential boutique at Singapore’s Changi Airport to offer travellers a chance to taste the full range of Suntory’s whiskies and spirits.

S. KOREAN CONSUMERS TURN TO DOMESTIC BEERS AND DUMP WINES AS INFLATION BITES

NEWS 11-11-2024

South Korean domestic beer is poised to reclaim its position as the best-selling alcoholic beverage at major retailers this year, overtaking wine as consumers adapt to persistent inflation, Yonhap news agency reported quoting recent market data.

JAPAN’S 98WINES IS ASIA’S ONLY WINNER IN WORLD’S 50 BEST WINERIES 2024

NEWS 7-11-2024

Japan’s 98Wines is the only winery in Asia made to the list of World’s 50 Best Wineries 2024. The small winery is located 100 kilometres from Tokyo, vineyards here are planted with Japan’s native varieties Muscat Bailey A and Koshu.

AUSSIE EXPORTERS AIMED HIGH IN THE 7th CHINA INT’L IMPORT EXPO

NEWS 5-11-2024

The 7th edition of China International Import Expo opened in Shanghai today with 3,500 exhibitors from 129 countries and regions. Australia has sent the biggest delegation with 250 companies hoping to sell wine, lobster, wagu beef etc to China.

A 159-YEAR-OLD CHATEAU LATOUR WAS SOLD FOR HKD812,500 IN HONG KONG AUCTION

NEWS 4-11-2024

A single bottle of Château Latour 1865 from cellar of Artémis Domaines was sold for HKD812,500 (USD104,570) at a Christie’s Hong Kong auction on 30 October, almost four times its pre-sale high estimate of HKD220,000.

CHANDON INDIA RELEASED LIMITED EDITION 2015 VINTAGE TO MARK 10th ANNIVERSARY

NEWS 31-10-2024

The wine is made from the inaugural grape harvested at the company’s winery in Nashik. The 1200 individually numbered bottles are priced at INR 6,000 and are available at the Chandon Nashik winery and select premium retail partners in Mumbai.

SUNTORY’S BEAUJOLAIS NOUVEAU IMPORTS UP 17% AS 1st SHIPMENT ARRIVED IN JAPAN

NEWS 29-10-2024

This year's first shipment of Beaujolais Nouveau has arrived in Japan last week, drinks giant Suntory said it will import about 457,000 bottles this year, a 17% increase from last year while retail price expected to remain unchanged.

MARTELL PRESENTS WORLD’S MOST EXPENSIVE COGNAC TO CONNOISSEURS IN THAILAND

NEWS 28-10-2024

French Cognac maker Martell has presented the inaugural bottle of its Les Remarquables De Martell collection, the world’s most expensive Cognac priced at €1 million, to connoisseurs in Bangkok of Thailand.

NEW ENTRY HONG KONG’S BAR LEONE SNAPPED UP NO.2 SPOT IN WORLD’S 50 BEST BARS 2024

NEWS 24-10-2024

Hong Kong’s Bar Leone snapped up world’s No.2 position at its first entry into the World's 50 Best Bars Awards, second only to Mexico City’s Handshake Speakeasy, as 11 bars in Asia made to the top 50 list.

MIGUEL TORRES SLAMMED EU’S CHINESE EV TARIFFS AS A HINDRANCE TO FREE MARKET

NEWS 22-10-2024

Miguel Torres, owner of Familia Torres of Spain, has criticised the tariffs imposed on Chinese electric vehicles by the European Union and said he prefers free market and competition.

DIAGEO IS EXPANDING ITS PRODUCTION FACILITY IN BALI OF INDONESIA

NEWS 21-10-2024

Diageo Indonesia has started construction work to expand its factory in Tabanan Bali, allowing the facility to position itself as a key supply hub for Diageo's other markets in Asia.

HONG KONG CUT IMPORT DUTIES FOR PREMIUM LIQUORS FROM 100% TO 10%

NEWS 16-10-2024

Hong Kong’s chief executive John Lee announced that the tax cut becomes effective today and applies to liquors with at least 30% ABV and an import value of HKD200 or higher.

CHANG BEER ANNOUNCED PLANS TO TOP SINGHA & LEO FOR MARKET LEADERSHIP IN THAILAND

NEWS 15-10-2024

Brewed by Thai Beverage, Chang Beer’s plan is highly ambitious as the current market leader Boon Rawd Brewery, owner of the Singha and Leo brands, has a market share of 62 to 63 percent.

CHINA’S NINGXIA WINE REGION BUZZING WITH TOURISTS DURING NATIONAL DAY HOLIDAY

NEWS 14-10-2024

China’s Ningxia wine region was buzzing with tourists during the seven-day national day holiday, the region's wine tourism attractions have received over 100,000 visitors during the holiday period.

SUNTORY RELEASES ITS OLDEST EVER BLENDED WHISKY THE HIBIKI 40YO

NEWS 10-10-2024

Japan’s Suntory has launched a limited edition of Hibiki 40YO using whiskies from Yamazaki, Hakushu and Chita distilleries, only 400 bottles will be sold on a global basis with RRP of USD35,000 per bottle.

CHINA MOVES TO IMPOSE ANTI-DUMPING MEASURES ON EU BRANDIES

NEWS 8-10-2024

China announced today that it will impose anti-dumping measures on EU brandies. From 11 October, EU brandy importers will have to put down security deposits ranging from 30.6 to 39 percent of import value.

法國葡萄酒產量創67年來新低     但政府仍堅持拔藤減產

FOCUS 7-10-2024

根據法國政府的農業統計數據，法國今年葡萄酒產量預計較去下降18%，較五年平均下降11%，極有可能會是自1957年以來最低，創出67年以來的最低記錄。雖然今年產量大幅減少，但法國政府上月仍然祭出1.2億歐元的拔藤計劃，以緩解葡萄酒供應過剩的問題。

TOKYO’S SHIBUYA WARD INTRODUCES PERMANENT NIGHT TIME ALCOHOL BAN IN PUBLIC AREAS

NEWS 3-10-2024

The ban is in effect daily from 6pm to 5am in areas surrounding JR and Keio Shibuya stations, it is an expansion from an existing measure aimed at curbing worsening littering and noise from large crowds.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA HOSTS 1st WINE BUYERS DELEGATION FROM CHINA SINCE END OF TARIFFS

NEWS 1-10-2024

The Western Australia state government is hosting a delegation representing 10 Chinese companies in a 9-day trade visit which will hopefully lead to orders of more premium wines from the wine regions in the state.

MAJOR S. KOREAN WINE RETAILERS PIVOT BACK TO PREMIUM MARKET AMID SLUGGISH SALES

NEWS 30-9-2024

South Korean wine retailers are struggling after a short-lived boom post COVID, many are pivoting back to selling premium wines to the niche market instead of expanding to the mass market.

HONG KONG WILL HOST LARGEST EVER WINE & DINE FESTIVAL 23-27 OCTOBER

NEWS 26-9-2024

The Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival will return to Central Harbourfront from 23 to 27 October 2024, with its largest ever format featuring 300 booths showcasing wines and food from 35 countries.

CHRISTIE’S OPENED NEW ASIA PACIFIC HEADQUARTERS IN HONG KONG

NEWS 24-9-2024

International auction house Christie’s officially opened its new Asia Pacific headquarters in Hong Kong providing the company with in-house space to hold auctions throughout the year.

PROTESTING COGNAC WORKERS DEMAND EU TO DELAY TARIFF VOTE ON CHINESE EVs

NEWS 23-9-2024

Some 800 workers from France’s Cognac industry protested to demand the EU to delay the vote on imposing additional duties on Chinese electric vehicles, they are worried that China would retaliate with punitive tariffs on EU brandies.

PERNOD RICARD OVERTAKES DIAGEO TO BECOME LEADER IN INDIA’S ALCOHOL MARKET

NEWS 19-9-2024

French drinks giant Pernod Ricard has surpassed Diageo to become India’s biggest alcoholic drinks maker, thanks to popularity of its scotch brand 100 Pipers and Indian-made brands Blenders Pride and Royal Stag.

CADA: NUMBER OF WHISKY PRODUCERS IN MAINLAND CHINA IS 43 AND COUNTING

NEWS 17-9-2024

There are a total of 43 registered whisky producers in mainland China and the number is in steady increase, among them 24 are already in full production, one is in trial operation, 10 are under construction and 8 are still in planning stage.

勃艮第將拍賣退役產區名牌     收益撥捐 Vins de Bourgogne

FOCUS 16-9-2024

勃艮第產區將更換使用了約20年的地名標誌牌，區內的葡萄酒委員會想出了一個很好的處理退役標誌牌的方法，就是將它們公開拍賣，所得的收益將會撥捐勃艮第葡萄酒城，以協助進一步推廣該產區的葡萄酒。

SOUTH AUSTRALIA ADDS SHANGHAI-BASED SENIOR ADVISER TO BOOST WINE EXPORTS

NEWS 12-9-2024

The South Australian state government has appointed Emily Xu as its new senior wine export adviser based in Shanghai. Xu will act as an ambassador and help position South Australia as a leader in China’s imported wine market.

ALIBABA CO-FOUNDER JOE TSAI INVESTED IN BURGUNDY GRAND CRU CLIMATS

NEWS 10-9-2024

Chairman and co-founder of China e-commerce giant Alibaba, Joe Tsai, has invested in acquisition of grand cru climats in the Cote de Nuits area of Burgundy, according to Bloomberg news agency.

JAPAN’S SAKE PRODUCTION IN DOUBT AS THE GOV’T BATTLES SEVERE RICE SHORTAGE

NEWS 9-9-2024

The Japanese public is panic-buying rice as inventories dropped to the lowest level since data began in 1999, Japan's sake production is in doubt as neighbouring South Korea resorts to producing more rice wine to alleviate its rice glut.

SPIRITSEUROPE CALLS ON EU LEADERS TO NEGOTIATE WITH CHINA TO AVOID PUNITIVE TARIFFS

NEWS 5-9-2024

Trade Group SpiritsEurope calls on the European Commission to extend full support to European distillers by entering into immediate negotiations with China to ensure that punitive duties will never be slapped on them.

THE MACALLAN RELEASES "TIME:SPACE" WITH ITS OLDEST & LATEST WHISKIES TO MARK 200th ANNIVERSARY

NEWS 3-9-2024

Only 200 decanters of the Time:Space collection have been released. There are two parts to each decanter, one is an 84YO whisky, the oldest ever released by Macallan, the other is a 2018 vintage which is the first release from its new distillery.

GLOBAL WINE APP VIVINO TO OPEN ITS FIRST EVER PHYSICAL SHOP IN SINGAPORE

NEWS 2-9-2024

To be located in Raffles City, the official open day is 9 October after a soft-opening on 19 September. More than 100 wine labels rated 4.0 or higher in Vivino app, together with some of the top 1 percent, will be featured in the shop.

BEIJING FOUND EU BRANDY MAKERS GUILTY OF DUMPING BUT NO PUNITIVE TARIFFS FOR NOW

NEWS 29-8-2024

China said EU brandy makers had been selling their products at 30.6-39% below market price in China causing damages to its domestic industry. But it said no provisional measures will be taken before the probe's completion scheduled in January 2025.

SEOUL: PRODUCERS SHOULD MAKE MORE RICE WINES TO HELP SOLVE RICE GLUT ISSUE

NEWS 28-8-2024

South Korea’s minister of agriculture, Song Mi-ryeong, said in a press conference today that the downward spiral of rice prices has put great pressure on local farmers, prompting the government to find ways to boost demand.

THE RENOVATED HAKUSHU DISTILLERY WILL BE OPENED FOR VISITS ON 20 SEPTEMBER

NEWS 27-8-2024

Japan’s Suntory Spirits announced that the renovation project in Hakushu Distillery has finished with new malting and visitor facilities, a new restaurant will open on Sunday while new regular visitor tours will start from 20 September.

TIME OUT: MANILA TOPS NIGHTLIFE SCENE IN ASIA, SECOND ONLY TO RIO WORLDWIDE

NEWS 22-8-2024

Forget about Hong Kong and Bangkok, Manila is Asia’s best city for nightlife according to Time Out Magazine. Taipei and Singapore also made to the top 13 list of World's best cities for nightlife 2024, at 12th and 13th place respectively.

JAPAN’S SUNTORY PLANS TO CONQUER THE INDIAN MARKET WITH INDIAN-MADE WHISKIES

NEWS 20-8-2024

Japan’s Suntory Holdings opened an India office in the northern city of Gurgaon last month, the drinks giant has bigger plans than just selling more Japanese whiskies to the world’s most populous country.

EX-HONG KONG CHIEF: CHINESE PEOPLE SHOULD DRINK CHINESE WINES

NEWS 19-8-2024

Former Hong Kong chief Leung Chun-ying, who enjoys the status as a state leader of China, has called on the whole of China to only serve Chinese wines during national day celebrations on 1 October.

TAIWAN’S STARLUX AIRLINES WON BEST FIRST CLASS WINES ON THE WING AWARDS 2024

NEWS 15-8-2024

Taiwan’s Starlux Airlines has won Best International First Class Wines on the Wing 2024 awards, organised by Global Traveler magazine.

INDIA WILL BAN ALL FORMS OF SURROGATE ADS FOR LIQUORS

NEWS 13-8-2024

India, which already prohibits direct advertising of liquor, is poised to introduce stringent rules banning surrogate ads for alcoholic drinks.

HONG KONG: A PRIVATE DRC & BURGUNDY COLLECTION SOLD FOR HKD50M IN SOTHEBY’S AUCTION

NEWS 12-8-2024

A collection described as “one of the greatest private collections of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (DRC) and Burgundy in the world” has achieved sales of HKD49.75 million (USD6.64m) in an auction hosted by Sotheby’s Hong Kong.

THIS JAPANESE WHISKY DISTILLERY ADOPTS A FARM-TO-BOTTLE APPROACH

NEWS 8-8-2024

One Japanese distillery is pioneering the evolution of whisky making with an innovative farm-to-bottle approach by growing its own barley.

SURVEY: 7 OUT OF 10 S. KOREAN CONSUMERS HAVE OPTED FOR NO & LOW

NEWS 6-8-2024

Seven out of ten South Korean consumers have opted for sugar-free or non-alcoholic beverages when they are out for a drink, a recent survey has revealed.

AUSSIE WINE EXPORTS SURGED 17% IN 2023-4 AS CHINA MARKET REOPENED

NEWS 5-8-2024

A surge in exports to China as the market reopened has driven Australian wine exports to increase 17 percent in value to AUD2.2 billion (USD1.43b) in 2023-4 financial year, according to Wine Australia.

TRADE FORUM: CHINESE BAIJIU NEEDS SOME MIXOLOGY CREATIVITY TO GO GLOBAL

NEWS 1-8-2024

Chinese baijiu makers will have to come up with creative cocktail recipes using the firey liquor as an ingredient in order for the Chinese national drink to go global, a senior executive of Campari China said in a trade forum held recently in Shanghai.

LVMH’S WINE & SPIRITS PROFIT SLUMPED 26% IN H1 DRAGGED BY POOR COGNAC SALES IN CHINA

NEWS 30-7-2024

The wine and spirits unit of Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) has seen a 26 percent slump in net profit to €777 million (USD715m) in the first half of this year, mainly dragged by poor Cognac sales in China and sluggish Champagne demand worldwide.

PERNOD RICARD INDIA LOST BID TO RESUME TRADING IN NEW DELHI

NEWS 29-7-2024

French drinks giant Pernod Ricard has lost its latest bid to resume trading in the capital city of India, the company said it is assessing its next possible steps.

INDIA’ S SULA VINEYARDS REPORTED HIGHEST-EVER QUARTERLY REVENUE

NEWS 25-7-2024

Sula Vineyards, India’s largest wine producer, announces highest-ever revenue in the second quarter of 2024 and plans operational expansion in Maharashtra with a new bottling facility.

MAJOR COGNAC MAKERS ATTENDED HEARING IN BJ TO DEFEND DUMPING ALLEGATIONS

NEWS 23-7-2024

Executives from major Cognac makers and European Union officials recently attended a hearing in Beijing, which was the first opportunity for them to defend themselves against China's dumping allegations.

HONG KONG & SINGAPORE BIGGEST WINNERS IN ASIA’S 50 BEST BARS AWARDS 2024

NEWS 22-7-2024

Hong Kong and Singapore are the two biggest winners in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2024 Awards. Hong Kong’s Bar Leone tops this year’s chart, while Singapore has 11 bars making to the top 50.

VIETNAM GOV’T PLANS 100% LIQUOR EXCISE TAX TO DETER OVER-CONSUMPTION

NEWS 18-7-2024

The Vietnamese government is planning to increase excise tax on liquors by up to 100 percent in six years in a view to lower alcohol consumption by its consumers.

REPORT: INDIAN WHISKY WILL BE FASTEST GROWING AS GLOBAL SALES OF SPIRITS TRUMP WINES

NEWS 16-7-2024

According to a report by World Spirits Alliance, Indian whisky will be the fastest growing spirit category between 2022 and 2027, growing by 50 million cases, as global consumption of spirits overtakes that of wines.

S. KOREAN CELEBRITY’S LIQUOR BRAND SUSPENDED FOR LIBELLING ISSUES

NEWS 15-7-2024

South Korean ballad singer Sung Si-kyung's newly launched Korean rice wine, Kyungtakju, has been suspended from production by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety due to inadequate labelling.

RE-DEVELOPMENT OF CHATEAU DE GRISSAC BY INDONESIA’S VASANTA GROUP IN FULL SWING

NEWS 11-7-2024

Indonesian property and tourism group Vasanta forges ahead with its investment in Château de Grissac in AOC Côtes de Bourg, a four-star hotel with a gourmet bistro-style restaurant is scheduled to open next June.

SUNTORY TO OPEN POP-UP BARS AROUND THE WORLD TO PROMOTE ITS PREMIUM MALT’S BEER

NEWS 9-7-2024

Japanese drinks giant Suntory is to open pop-up beer bars called The Premium Malt’s House in selected cities around the world over a two-month period starting from July.

KING CHARLES SERVED JAPAN EMPEROR NEW ZEALAND CHARDONNAY ALONG WITH FRENCH FINE WINES

NEWS 8-7-2024

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako of Japan were offered a New Zealand chardonnay along with fine wines from France during the state banquet hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla at Buckingham Palace during their recent state visit.

WINES FROM SERBIA SHINED IN CHINA-EURASIA EXPO HELD IN XINJIANG

NEWS 4-7-2024

Balkan country Serbia participated in the China-Eurasia Expo for the first time this year, its wines attracted a lot of attention as the new China-Serbia free trade agreement allows for zero tariffs on Serbian wines within five years.

S. KOREA: DIAGEO TO RAISE PRICES BY 18% AMID A SLUGGISH MARKET

NEWS 2-7-2024

Global drinks giant Diageo will raise prices of several lines of its spirit products in South Korea by 18 percent from July despite a slump in demand.

INDIAN ARM OF SUNTORY HOLDINGS STARTS OPERATION THIS MONTH

NEWS 1-7-2024