The International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) has announced a new strategic partnership with Vino Joy News, the leading English-language platform dedicated to the wine industry in China and Asia. This collaboration is set to enhance the flow of news and insights to a broad community of drinks brands, distributors, and industry professionals.
This partnership comes at a pivotal time for China’s wine market, which has been witnessing significant growth in both domestic production and wine imports. Vino Joy News recently reported a remarkable 125% increase in the export of Ningxia wines in 2024, despite the global economic slowdown that impacted wine sales in other regions. Additionally, interest in imported wines has surged following the removal of tariffs, with Australian wines surpassing French imports in under a year.
The changing preferences of Chinese consumers, particularly among younger drinkers, have also influenced market trends. Many are gravitating toward white wines, with Germany emerging as a key player in this shift. Vino Joy highlighted a notable 8.34% increase in volume (4.66 million liters) and an 8.51% rise in value (US$26.36 million), driven largely by the growing popularity of Riesling.
For the IWSC, this partnership coincides with a period of expansion. After the success of its inaugural Chinese wine tasting event in 2024, the IWSC is returning in 2025 for its Global Judging event, which will be held in Ningxia. In addition, a new spirits judging session will be launched in Sichuan, in partnership with the Beijing International Wine and Spirit Exchange.
As part of the collaboration, starting this month, Vino Joy News will provide monthly highlights through the IWSC’s newsletter. Vino Joy will also offer coverage and insights from the IWSC’s drinks, talent, and business awards, while IWSC medal winners interested in the Asian market will have opportunities for extra exposure. Moreover, IWSC medal winners will benefit from preferential rates on Vino Joy’s market intelligence reports, which offer comprehensive analysis of the Chinese and wider Asian markets.
Natalie Wang, founder of Vino Joy News, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “The IWSC continues to set the global benchmark for wine and spirits judging, and we are absolutely thrilled to collaborate with such a prestigious organization. Through this partnership, we are excited to deliver consistent, high-quality coverage and provide the IWSC’s vast community with unparalleled insights into the dynamic wine and spirits markets of China and Asia.”
Vino Joy News, established in 2019, has become a trusted source of news, analysis, and industry intelligence for the wine sector in China and Asia. It is renowned for its in-depth coverage of market trends, regulatory developments, and key players in the region, and has a growing presence in mainland China, Hong Kong, and across Asia.
The IWSC, since its founding in 1969, has set the global benchmark for excellence in wine, spirits, and other drinks categories. With over 12,000 entries judged annually from more than 90 countries, the competition has earned the reputation as the “Olympics of the drinks industry.” The IWSC offers a platform for producers to receive recognition, benchmark their products, and form valuable business connections, while providing consumers with a trusted symbol of quality.
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