Entering the red-wine business in 2025Export Agent ServicesIs there still market space?

According to the latest report from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV), China imported 320 million liters of wine in 2024, a recovery of 86 % compared with pre-pandemic levels. In terms of market structure:

• Demand for high-end premium wines grows 12% annually.
• E-commerce channel share has exceeded 35%
• Consumption growth in second- and third-tier cities outpaces that in first-tier cities

Suggested focus:Characteristic wines of the Mediterranean regionAndCertified organic products, these two categories showed a year-on-year import growth of over 20% in the 2024 customs data.

What special qualifications are required to become a wine distributor?

Import and exportTwo-way services must simultaneously meet:

• Required documents for import
  • Food Distribution License (must include alcohol sales)
  • Record - filing of Imported Food Consignor
  • Registration number of overseas manufacturers in China
• Core Qualifications for Export
  • Export Food Production Enterprise Registration
  • Free Sale Certificate
  • Import license for alcoholic beverages in the target country (e.g., TTB certification in the United States)

Pay special attention to the implementation starting from January 2025New EU Wine Labeling Regulations, with requirements for nutritional labeling and allergen warnings.

How to Choose a Competitive Agency Brand?

It is recommended to adopt3C Evaluation Model:

• Country (Advantages of the Producing Region):
  • Traditional producing regions (France, Italy, Spain) have substantial room for premium pricing.
  • Emerging regions (South Africa, Georgia) offer excellent value for money.
• Channel (Channel Adaptation):
  • Recommended wine selections from Michelin-starred restaurants
  • E-commerce Best-Selling Product Packaging Design
• Certificate (Certification System):
  • Organic/Biodynamic Certification
  • China Customs AEO-Certified Supplier

How much capital is required to start a wine agency?

Varies significantly depending on the trade method:

• General trade agency:
  • Minimum start-up capital: USD 800,000–1,200,000
  • Including customs duty (14%) and value-added tax (13%)
• Cross-border bonded warehouse model:
  • The cost of the first order can be kept within 300,000 yuan.
  • A security deposit and storage fees are required.

To cope with regulatory review20% working capitalCoping with exchange-rate volatility (the EUR/CNY fluctuation reached 12% in 2024).

What are the special logistics requirements for importing and exporting red wine?

Essential measuresFull-process temperature-controlled logistics system:

• Maritime transport:
  • Reefer container temperature set to 12–14 °C
  • Avoid co-loading with odorous cargo
• Air freight:
  • Prioritize nighttime flights to minimize temperature differences.
  • Require loading in the cabin's constant-temperature zone.

Starting in 2025, multiple ports will implementAlcohol traceability QR code system, a traceability system must be configured in advance.

What is the most rational way to arrange online and offline channels?

It is recommended to adoptO2O2O model:

• Online three-terminal:
  • Cross-border E-commercePlatforms (Tmall Global, JD Worldwide)
  • Private-domain mini-program mall
  • Live-streaming e-commerce hub
• Offline three-network:
  • Premium Supermarket Experience Store
  • Star-rated hotel lounge
  • Bonded Area Exhibition Center

Note: Effective 2025Adjustment of Cross-Border Retail Import Limits, the single-transaction limit is raised to 8,000 RMB.

What is the biggest risk point in becoming a wine distributor?

Four major risks must be prioritized for prevention:

• Policy risk: anti-dumping investigation (refer to the 2023 Australian wine case)
• Inventory Risk: Control of the Tannin Change Cycle
• Exchange-rate risk: EUR/USD dual-currency hedge
• Intellectual Property Risk: Copyright Disputes over Wine Labels

It is recommended to take out insuranceSpecial Commodity Transportation InsuranceAndProduct Quality Liability Insurance.

(Data sources: General Administration of Customs of China, Jan–Nov 2024 Quick Report; OIV 2024 Annual Report; China Alcoholic Drinks Association survey)