China is expected to become a full member of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) in November, assuming a more significant role in setting international standards for wine production and consumption.
On July 11, during the press conference of the 4th Ningxia International Wine Culture and Tourism Expo, it was reported that the "China-France Joint Statement on Agricultural Exchange and Cooperation" issued in May had again proposed China's accession to the OIV. Recently, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs formally submitted the application for membership through the Chinese Embassy in France, entering the stage of collecting opinions from member countries. It is expected that, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the OIV in November, China will become the 51st official member.
The OIV is the most authoritative intergovernmental organization among wine-producing countries and has extensive influence in the global wine industry. As a full member, China, an important wine producer and consumer, will benefit from the expertise, cooperation, and service network of over 500 experts and 50 member countries of the OIV, further promoting the development of its domestic wine industry.
Membership will also allow China to participate in decisions regarding the viticultural sector.
According to the OIV's 2023 report "The State of the World's Grapes and Wines", China is the ninth largest wine consumer in the world, with a consumption of 6.3 million liters, and has the third-largest vineyard area in the world, after Spain and France, with 756,000 hectares.
"Pau Roca, the former Director General of the OIV, stated that China's membership in the OIV would have a positive impact on the development of the global wine industry, and that China's potential, contribution to research, and new technologies would bring new developments to global vineyards and wines."
The government of the Ningxia Autonomous Region has been a strong supporter of China's membership in the OIV.
The connection between Ningxia's wine industry and the OIV began in 2012 when Ningxia became an observer of the OIV. Since then, Ningxia has participated in many OIV global conferences and promoted the Helan Mountain East wine region worldwide.
Chen Zijun, deputy director of the Helan Mountain East Foothill Wine Industry Park Management Committee, stated that membership in the OIV would have a positive impact on Chinese wines, improving the international status and recognition of domestic wines.
The Ningxia government intends to lead regular exchanges and collaborations with wine regions worldwide, open up to foreign markets, align standards, promote brands, export products, organize events, introduce technologies, and train talents. At the same time, Ningxia is promoting the Helan Mountain East Foothills production area to join the Global Wine Tourism Organization (GWTO) and Yinchuan to join the OIV International Wine Cities Network.
Founded in 1924, the OIV is an international authority in the wine industry, known as the "provider of international standards." OIV standards are adopted by the World Trade Organization for wine-related matters. OIV's research covers a wide range of scientific, technical, and economic issues, including grape cultivation, wine production, storage, sales, and consumption. Currently, over 95% of wine-producing countries have joined the organization, and the OIV has 50 member countries, including major wine producers such as France and Italy.
Ningxia, as China's first provincial OIV observer, has been actively participating in OIV activities since 2012. Yantai, in Shandong Province, is another OIV observer in China, and in 2018, Hebei Province also expressed its intention to become an OIV observer.
Although observers can participate in OIV meetings and working groups, they do not have voting rights and are not formal members. After China's accession to the OIV, the country will be able to participate more fully in the decision-making process of the international wine industry.
credits: VinoJOY
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China's accession to the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) could have several implications for the Italian wine market:
Demand Growth: China's participation in the OIV could lead to increased demand for quality wine, including Italian wine, due to greater awareness and appreciation of wine in China.
Technical and Scientific Collaboration: Italy could benefit from technical and scientific knowledge exchanges with China, improving viticultural practices through the sharing of innovations and technologies.
Standardization and Quality: China's OIV membership could further standardize and improve the quality of wine produced in China, creating more competition but also potential collaborations with Italian producers.
New Markets: Italy might see an increase in exports to China, as OIV membership can facilitate access to new and emerging markets through trade agreements and the reduction of tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Promotion of Italian Wine: International events and fairs organized by the OIV in China could provide additional platforms for promoting Italian wines, enhancing the visibility and reputation of Italian wine in a growing market.
Competition and Collaboration: While competition with Chinese wine producers may increase, there are also opportunities for collaboration in joint ventures, investments, and partnerships that could benefit both parties.
How do you think China's accession to the OIV will affect the Italian wine market?
Increase in Italian wine exports to China
Greater competition with Chinese producers
Opportunities for collaboration and innovation
I do not know
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