Spurred by rising average income and influence of western dining habits, China has become one of the largest wine consumption markets in the world with strong growth momentum. Riding on this affluent consumption trend is CEO Wine Cellar, which kicked off its wine trading business in 2005.
"In the past we have been supplying French wine to the Mainland. Yet with the market getting bigger and more diversified, consumers now are looking for varieties from other countries as well and we are discovering new sources to quench their thirst," said Mr. George Chan, General Manager of CEO Wine Cellar.
Through the HKTDC Business Matching Service in May 2010, Mr. Chan was arranged to meet with wineries of the New South Wales Wine Promotion Trade Mission that flew in from Australia.
"I have met up with four wineries and it is very likely we can work with three of them. It is great that these companies are offering a wide choice of wine, each with their own flair, plus they are of the middle market range which we are exploring," noted Mr. Chan.
With CEO Wine Cellar supplying to many regions in the Mainland, Mr. Chan highlighted that quality was not their only concern.
"Of course quality is important, but we also need to ensure their production capacity can meet our demand as we have been importing by container loads. At this stage we have already chosen some models; if their taste is further affirmed by our management and the price works, we will strike a deal," he added.
The Business Matching Meetings also provided Mr. Chan a comprehensive picture of the wine industry in Australia.
"It is notable that the wineries in Australia are very established, and many of them have attained international standard. Indeed, in recent years the wine industry in the new world, such as in Australia and Chile, are developing real fast and are getting more sophisticated."
In fact, this was not the first time for CEO Wine Cellar to be referred by the HKTDC Business Matching Service.
"Instead of doing the sourcing blindly ourselves, it is much more effective to have the Business Matching Specialists pre-screening some companies for us. In addition, the company information provided in advance are very useful, allowing both sides to understand each others' needs and get well-prepared before the first encounter," concluded Mr. Chan.
