Alibaba has launched an Australian wine store through its Tmall platform to help local winemakers crack the Chinese market.
The flagship B2C store, which is supported by Wine Australia and operated by Chinese online wine retailer Vinehoo.com, will initially stock 10 brands from eight wine regions including Brokenwood, Coriole, John Duval, Pikes, and Voyager Estate.
The store opening will be supported by the Tmall 9.9 Global Wine and Spirits Festival, an online event aimed at introducing global wine and spirit brands to Chinese consumers.
Wine Australia CEO Andreas Clark said Australian wine exports had grown to $2.1 billion per year, with exports to China priced at AU$10 or more per litre.
“The food and wine culture in China continues to evolve, and there's increased demand from Chinese consumers for premium quality products online,” he said.
Alibaba's Australia and New Zealand MD Maggie Zhou said the domestic wine sector in China was yet to reach maturity, and Australian wines were considered world-class.
“Beyond established, well-recognised Australian wine brands, there is also strong potential for smaller producers to gain traction internationally,” she said.
Late last year Alibaba partnered with Australia Post to help Australian businesses sell wholesale into China through the company’s 1688.com platform.
