Bolney clinches deal with mainland China

By Jo Gilbert

Published: 26 July, 2018

Bolney Wine Estate has become the first English wine producer to secure distribution in mainland China.

The West Sussex winery joins the portfolio of Guangzhou importer The Wine People, which will distribute the estate’s still and sparkling wine to the world’s most populous country.

The deal, brokered by English wine exporter The British Bottle Company, is believed to be a first for an English producer.

Some have a presence in Hong Kong, but mainland China represents a far larger opportunity.

China is considered a huge market opportunity by wine makers worldwide.

Earlier in the year, the Wine and Spirit Trade Association took a collection of British gins and wines to Hong Kong in a bid to boost exports.

According to Chinese customs data, last year saw mainland China import 7.5m litres of wine from around the world - a 17% increase on 2016, with a total value of £2.11 billion.

British National Claire Murray, who co-founded The Wine People in 2010 said the distribution deal reflected the “exceptional quality that is now being produced in the UK. Both end consumers and trade have been extremely impressed with the quality, value for money and unique taste characteristics shown in the Bolney wines. People in China have a real hunger to taste new products and we are finding the fragrant, fruit forward style of English wines to be very appealing.”

The first Bolney shipment has already arrived in the country where it was poured for at a dinner with Prince Andrew, The Duke of York.

Bolney listings are also confirmed at other high-end locations, including the Park Hyatt, Guangzhou and the newly opened Edition Hotel, Shanghai.

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