As part of the implementation of the cooperation project between the European and the Chinese wine sectors (Memorandum of Understanding), the EU wine sector organised a Seminar on winemaking in Changji (Xinjiang, China), strengthening the existing close ties between both sectors.

On 28 and 29 June 2017, CEEV Secretary General, Ignacio Sánchez Recarte, travelled to Changji (China) with a panel of 4 wine experts to hold a seminar on the EU and OIV winemaking practices. The main objective of the seminar was to share with Chinese wine professionals - producers, importers and oenologists - information regarding the OIV framework, the EU expertise and knowledge on winemaking processes, the link between oenological practices and wine quality, and the safety and evaluation of such practices.

This Seminar was a great opportunity to demonstrate the efficiency and safety of some oenological practices which are used in the EU and around the world, but not yet well-known or used in China. Participants showed great interest in the different presentations and identified useful information that will allow them to address some issues faced at certain stage of their winemaking process.

“The EU winemaking framework is strictly regulated and guarantees the safety and quality of European wines. These rigorous rules do not prevent innovation and each new authorised practice aims at improving the quality of our wines, while preserving wine's nature and respecting thousands of years of tradition” said Dr Sánchez Recarte, Secretary General of CEEV.

CEEV and CADA seized the opportunity of this event to hold their annual EU-China Wine Summit. Both Dr Sánchez Recarte and Mr Qi Wang (Standing Vice Chairman - CADA) and Mr Zuming Wang (Deputy Secretary General – CADA) acknowledged the success of the cooperation project initiated between the two wine associations in 2014, and agreed that, even though the project officially ended in 2016, cooperation and strategic partnership between CEEV and CADA should be preserved and maintained in the years to come.

On 30 of June, as a closing activity to the two-day Seminar, CADA kindly invited CEEV and the EU experts to participate to a wine tasting and vineyard visit in Xinjiang.

Background:

• The European consortium is composed by 12 leading European wine companies and professional organizations: CEEV (coordinator) ACIBEV, AEVP, FEVS, FEDERVINI, UNIONE ITALIANA VINI, Codorniu, Felix Solis Avantis SA, Gonzalez Byass, Moët Hennessy, Pernod Ricard Winemakers and Bodegas Miguel Torres.
• These activities are part of a comprehensive programme of technical and institutional activities agreed in a Memorandum of Understanding signed in March 2014 between CEEV and CADA in the framework of a fruitful B2B dialogue between both parties. The programme, to be implemented over a 2-year period, is aimed at fuelling the possibilities for business cooperation between the European and Chinese wine sectors, improving the mutual knowledge of the potential offered by both markets and boosting international cooperation. By virtue of this programme:
  • The EU industry will facilitate technical assistance to professionals from Chinese wine companies in areas such as of winegrowing, winemaking and quality controls, marketing approaches, wine tastings, and GIs protection systems, provided through activities such as hosting study visits in Europe, seminars, and other training and internship activities;
  • The Chinese industry will assist the EU industry to organize EU wine tastings in China, and to improve the wine knowledge among the Chinese consumers, and promote the appreciation of wines and its culture building on the values of moderate and responsible consumption;
  • Both parties will set up permanent information mechanism and communication exchanges, monitor the implementation of the cooperation, and collaborate at international level on advocacy activities aimed at improving market access conditions in third countries

The programme coordinator, Comité Européen des Entreprises Vins (CEEV), represents the wine companies in the industry and trade in the European Union: still wines, sparkling wines, liqueur wines, aromatised wines and other vine products. It brings together 21 national organisations. Its members produce and market the vast majority of quality European wines, with and without a geographical indication, and account for over 90% of European wine exports. With more than € 10,1 billion worth of exports in 2016, the wine sector makes a positive contribution of over € 7,4 billion to the EU trade balance.