Many global alcohol firms regard China to be one of the most perfect markets for imported goods due to its rapidly rising economy. Due to China’s never-ending desire for foreign booze, the potential are vast and growing.
How to Make Your Alcohol Brand China-Ready
Beverage producers must examine what their target consumers want in terms of alcohol strength and flavor, as well as product packaging, before selling in China. It’s also useful to know where they get their alcohol, their buying habits, and how they react to various marketing initiatives.
Flavor/varietal/alcohol content
Based on the rising sales of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz on the market, China’s love affair with red wine hasn’t faded. White wine, sparkling wine, and champagne are also gaining popularity, particularly among women. Fortified wines have been increasingly popular in recent years.
Chinese beer drinkers are moving away from lagers and toward more premium and artisanal flavors. As customers become more health concerned, sales of premium non-alcoholic or low-calorie beer are also increasing. While brandy remains the most popular spirit, other hard liquors such as vodka, rum, and tequila have made significant gains.
Packaging
Packaging has become a significant role in a consumer’s decision to buy. China’s young adults are constantly on the lookout for Instagram-worthy designs that are both unique and appealing. When opposed to classic-style packaging, those with bright colors and big logos are frequently more tempting to them.
Meanwhile, more people are warming to the concept of smaller alcohol bottles. Some high-quality wines are available in small servings to simulate a tasting room experience in the comfort of the customer’s own home. Single-serve and ready-to-drink forms, as well as pouches and bag-in-box packaging, are all popular right now.
Purchasing Habits
The shopping decisions of young Chinese consumers are frequently affected by their peers. They are also tech-savvy and conduct research online before making a purchase. These drinkers, on the other hand, are known for switching brands regularly. Taste is the most important factor in their decision to use alcohol, followed by price and accessibility. Meanwhile, China’s older drinkers are loyal to their favorite brands.
For the Chinese, brand reputation is crucial, especially when it comes to liquor. In their spirits, they prioritize authenticity and quality, and they only trust those who have positive feedback and recommendations. Ci is rife in China’s spirits business, making customers wary. However, the government has been cracking down on the problem in recent years.
Sales Channels
For the Chinese, brand reputation is crucial, especially when it comes to liquor. In their spirits, they prioritize authenticity and quality, and they only trust those who have positive feedback and recommendations. Ci is rife in China’s spirits business, making customers wary. However, the government has been cracking down on the problem in recent years.
For the Chinese, brand reputation is crucial, especially when it comes to liquor. In their spirits, they prioritize authenticity and quality, and they only trust those who have positive feedback and recommendations. Ci is rife in China’s spirits business, making customers wary. However, the government has been cracking down on the problem in recent years.
Campaigns and Promotions
In China, festivals and sampling events are popular ways to sell products. These raise brand recognition and aid in the development of personal interactions with potential customers. Some winemakers even form a group and organize tours of nearby vineyards. To gain loyal clients, freebies and appreciation gifts are distributed.
Meanwhile, clever use of social media, Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), and live-streaming initiatives are among China’s top marketing trends. In the United States, digital marketing has gone a long way. WeChat and Weibo are still the most popular social media and networking platforms, although Meipai and TikTok are gaining popularity as well.
In order to succeed in China, you must go through a lot of trial and error to figure out what works and what doesn’t for discerning customers. It’s vital to stay on top of new trends and take into account the Chinese people’s changing tastes in alcoholic beverages.
