Locally-based wine and spirits company Constellation Brands has just signed a long term agreement to have some of its wine sold in China. The agreement is with a Chinese distribution company called "Vats Liquor” and that company will distribute Constellation's Robert Mondavi wine. Constellation spokesperson Angie Blackwell says her company has been trying to target emerging markets, and China is a particularly good place to do that.
“In China today because it is the fifth largest wine consumption market globally, is a really good fit. It is anticipated to grow substantially over the next five years . Chinese consumers, particularly the affluent and the middle class, are really embracing wine like never before. “
The contract with the Chinese distribution company is for 30 years, and Blackwell says that may the longest agreement of that type for any wine and spirits company in the U.S. that is looking to do business in China. She says Constellation picked the Robert Mondavi wines for this deal because it's a very well-known and respected brand, and the Chinese tend to gravitate toward the prominent brands when they buy wines.
