19.01.2011 - Vinexpo news selection
In four years, sales of PDO wines from Languedoc-Roussillon have quadrupled in volume on the Chinese market. In 2009, with 157 000 hl exported, sales grew by 155% in volume for PDO wines (27 000 hl) and 72% for other wines. And the gains are greater in value (+163% for PDO, 89% for other wines), indicating a shift in imports toward higher-end wines.
"We're second behind the Bordeaux wine region. Even in value, our sales exceed those of Burgundy," says Catherine Machabert, export manager of Asia to South of France Export arm of the Regional Council for Development export of regional businesses. Under the aegis of the umbrella brand of Southern France, the Region has worked hard to publicize the promotional wines. It also has a permanent presence in China since the 2007 opening of a Maison du Languedoc-Roussillon in Shanghai, headed by Yiran Liu, a Chinese wine professional. This structure supports professionals in their search for importers and distributors. It also organizes trainings for Chinese wine professionals. (Winealley.com / 4 January 2011)