未来3年内 中国将成为全球第二大葡萄酒市场
China expects to become the second-largest market for wine by 2021, replacing the UK, as young consumers' preferences are evolving, experts said. China's wine market size is expected to reach $23 billion in sales revenue by 2021 with an average annual growth rate of more than 30%, suggesting the strong wine-consumption potential of the country, according to a recent report. "It's a common phenomenon, also in developed countries, that when the economy does well, low-alcohol beverage becomes more popular," said Li Demei, a wine expert from the Beijing University of Agriculture. Drinking spirits or hard liquor may easily get young consumers drunk and even result in poor behavior. That's why, drinks like wine with relatively milder flavor and low alcohol content are considered a wiser choice, he said. Agreed Guillaume Deglise, CEO of Vinexpo. "In China, knowledge and educational background are gradually replacing wealth as the symbol of people's social status. And wine sales benefit from this change," Deglise said. Wine sales are rising as the post-1990s generation has been joining the workforce. The millennials tend to care more about their own feelings and physical condition. In addition, women show a special preference for wine compared with men because drinking wine is more elegant than drinking beer. |