Can wine agents still make money in 2025? This guide will tell you the answer
or complex compliance issues.
clearance and fund security.

In 2025,I want to start a business in the wine industry.Is there still market space?
According to the latest report from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV),China’s wine imports reached 320 million litres in 2024,an increase of 86% compared to pre-pandemic levels.In terms of market structure:
- Demandforhigh-endpremiumwinesgrows12%annually.
- E-commercechannelsharehasexceeded35%
- Consumptiongrowthinsecond-andthird-tiercitiesoutpacesthatinfirst-tiercities
Suggested focus:Characteristic wines of the Mediterranean regionandCertified organic productsThese two types of products showed an increase of more than 20% in import volume year-on-year in the 2024 customs data.
What special qualifications are required to become a wine distributor?
Two-way services must simultaneously meet:
- Requireddocumentsforimport
- FoodDistributionLicense(mustincludealcoholsales)
- Record-filingofImportedFoodConsignor
- RegistrationnumberofoverseasmanufacturersinChina
- Core Qualifications for Export
- ExportFoodProductionEnterpriseRegistration
- FreeSaleCertificate
- Importlicenseforalcoholicbeveragesinthetargetcountry(e.g.TTBcertificationintheUnitedStates)
Please pay special attention to the new regulations that will be implemented starting from January 2025.New EU Wine Labeling Regulations,with requirements for nutritional labeling and allergen warnings.
How to Choose a Competitive Agency Brand?
It is recommended to adopt3C Evaluation Model:
- Country(AdvantagesoftheProducingRegion):
- Traditionalproducingregions(France,Italy,Spain)havesubstantialroomforpremiumpricing.
- Emergingregions(SouthAfrica,Georgia)offerexcellentvalueformoney.
- Channel (Channel Adaptation):
- RecommendedwineselectionsfromMichelin-starredrestaurants
- E-commerceBest-SellingProductPackagingDesign
- Certificate (Certification System):
- Organic/BiodynamicCertification
- ChinaCustomsAEO-CertifiedSupplier
How much capital is required to start a wine agency?
Varies significantly depending on the trade method:
- Generaltradeagency:
- Minimumstart-upcapital:USD800,000–1,200,000
- Includingcustomsduty(14%)andvalue-addedtax(13%)
- Cross-border bonded warehouse model:
- Thecostofthefirstordercanbekeptwithin300,000yuan.
- Asecuritydepositandstoragefeesarerequired.
To cope with regulatory review20% working capitalRespond to exchange rate fluctuations (the fluctuation range of the euro against the RMB reached 12% in 2024).
What are the special logistics requirements for importing and exporting red wine?
Essential measuresFull-process temperature-controlled logistics system:
- :
- Reefercontainertemperaturesetto12–14°C
- Avoidco-loadingwithodorouscargo
- :
- Prioritizenighttimeflightstominimizetemperaturedifferences.
- Requireloadinginthecabin’sconstant-temperaturezone.
From 2025,multiple ports will implementAlcohol traceability QR code system,a traceability system must be configured in advance.
What is the most rational way to arrange online and offline channels?
It is recommended to adoptO2O2O model:
- Onlinethree-terminal:
- Platforms(TmallGlobal,JDWorldwide)
- Private-domainmini-programmall
- Live-streaminge-commercehub
- Offline three-network:
- PremiumSupermarketExperienceStore
- Star-ratedhotellounge
- BondedAreaExhibitionCenter
Please note that the implementation will take place in 2025.Adjustment of Cross-Border Retail Import Limits,the single-transaction limit is raised to 8,000 RMB.
What is the biggest risk point in becoming a wine distributor?
Four major risks must be prioritized for prevention:
- Policyrisk:anti-dumpinginvestigation(refertothe2023Australianwinecase)
- InventoryRisk:ControloftheTanninChangeCycle
- Exchange-raterisk:EUR/USDdual-currencyhedge
- IntellectualPropertyRisk:CopyrightDisputesoverWineLabels
It is recommended to take out insuranceSpecial Commodity Transportation InsuranceandProduct Quality Liability Insurance.
(Data source: General Administration of Customs Jan-Nov 2024 Statistical Bulletin,OIV 2024 Annual Report,China Alcoholic Drinks Association Survey Data)
Was this helpful? Give us a like!
Contact our experts for compliance audits, precise quotes, and one-stop customs support.

Recent Comments (0) 0
Leave a Reply