by Giles Cadman
The balance of power in the world wine market has shifted towards China in the last five years, with the Chinese market driving prices for many wines. I am not sure I necessarily agree with the Drinks Business‘ article stating experts say it will become the most influential wine investment market.
Shanghai is to become the next international wine hub and one of the most influential wine investment wine markets in the world, according to experts at last week’s Shanghai Free Trade Zone Wine Investment and Transaction Summit.
He added that, with the opening of Shanghai free trade zone, Shanghai has the potential to become the next international wine centre in the future.
It does have potential to be a major player, but it would be a little surprising if it were the most influential.
Shanghai’s new free trade zone, which opened in October, aims to ease restrictions on investment and is expected to serve as an international wine trade market for wine companies.
“Wine investment has been booming in recent years, but many investors have little idea about the industry. So there are many new players who are unprofessional and only eyeing for short-term profit”, said an expert at the summit.
Time will tell whether Shanghai becomes the most influential wine market.
