Aug 8 2007 | China, Peoples Republic of | China Spirits Market Highlight: China¡¯s spirits sales were $25.1 billion in 2006, representing 43% of all alcoholic drinks consumed and making it China¡¯s number one alcoholic beverage in current value terms. Spirits consumption revolves around baijiu, followed by whiskey and grape brandy. U.S. whiskey and bourbon exports to China grew 118% in 2006, with total sales of $5.9 million. Foreign spirits currently make up 10% of domestic spirits sales with the greatest growth potential in high-end baijiu, the burgeoning Scottish whiskey sector, and ¡°healthier¡± spirits alternatives. For U.S. exporters, overcoming market barriers such as a lack of brand awareness and a lack of consumer knowledge about different spirit types are vital to competing against the emerging wine sector and popular beer market. FAS China's Agricultural Trade Offices are available to provide export assistance for U.S. spirits producers. CH7063 | View the Acrobat version | Download the MS Word version |
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