I was glad to see Wines of South Africa, the national wine marketing body, acknowledging the importance of the Chinese wine market where, increasingly, South African vintners are looking to sell their wine.
A recent statement by WOSA said it will be attending the Hong Kong Fair in November 2011, undertaking some workshops in China mid-year and are planning some provincial shows.
However, that news was offset by WOSA admitting they have “very limited funds to invest in China”. The statement also gave the impression that strategy for selling South African wine in the region was still in the development stages.
Having all agreed on the importance of the Chinese market, government and industry bodies need to move quickly and decisively to promote the South African wine brand.
Until that happens those South African wine brands entering the Chinese market are competing not only against wine brands from around the world but also the marketing muscle of national brands, such as Australia, actively promoting their wine industries.