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China’s 2025 growth forecast raised to 5% by IMF, citing resilience

China’s consumer prices rise at fastest pace in nearly 2 years in November

European firms need to abandon overreliance on China and US, chamber report warns

China’s Guangdong targets doubling GDP by 2035 despite slowing growth

China economy

Distilling China’s alcohol economy

Illustration: Brian Wang


The storage room at the Qiantai Distillery in Maotai town, Guizhou province, with rows of containers of baijiu. Photo: Ji Siqi

Economy

China Economy

China’s liquor capital faces long march to rebirth as baijiu’s ‘liquid gold’ glory wanes

 Illustration: Brian Wang

Piles of sorghum, used to make baijiu, are seen at the Changhong distillery, which produces the Longhoom brand in Maotai, Guizhou province. Photo: handout

The storage room at the Qiantai distillery in Maotai town, Guizhou province, features rows of baijiu-filled containers. Photo: Ji Siqi

Local shops, selling a wide range of baijiu, are seen throughout Maotai town in Guizhou province. Photo: Ji Siqi

In Maotai town, baijiu producers diversify offerings while expanding to markets such as Hong Kong and Southeast Asia amid a culture shift and economic challenges.


Sour grapes? European wines left on the shelf as China chases cheaper tipples

Annie Lin, export director at Mulando Winery, showcases wines from China’s northwestern Ningxia region at the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair on November 6. Photo: Ralph Jennings

Chinese drinkers are spending less amid an economic slowdown, diluting the profits of Europe’s fine wine producers.


Pursuit of hoppiness: why China’s cash-conscious drinkers have embraced craft beers

Illustration: Henry Wong

A row of taps in a new Beijing outpost of craft beer pub Urbrew. Photo: Xinyi Wu

Customers drink beer at a night market in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province. Photo: Xinhua

As discerning alcohol consumers seek ‘wallet-friendly’ products, premium beers are winning out over higher-end options.


As China’s traditional spirits and premium wines grapple with declining consumption, a significant shift is under way across the beverage landscape. This three-part series examines the challenges faced by Maotai town as its once-coveted baijiu loses its lustre, the impact of economic shutdowns on European wine imports, and the rise of craft beer as a budget-friendly alternative for consumers seeking quality without breaking the bank.


Series

Distilling China’s alcohol economy

China’s liquor capital faces long march to rebirth as ‘liquid gold’ glory wanes

In Maotai town, baijiu producers diversify offerings while expanding to markets such as Hong Kong and Southeast Asia amid a culture shift and economic challenges.

After peaking, decline of China’s European wine imports worries makers

Chinese drinkers are spending less amid an economic slowdown, diluting the profits of Europe’s fine wine producers.

Pursuit of hoppiness: how China’s cash-conscious drinkers embraced craft beers

As discerning alcohol consumers seek ‘wallet-friendly’ products, premium beers are winning out over higher-end options.