Amazon China has begun selling its first batch of imported wines direct to consumers in the country.
Imported wines from seven wineries in California, including the Andretti Winery founded by former Formula-1 racing driver Mario Andretti, went on sale on Amazon China’s website this week.
Other wineries represented include White Oak Vineyards & Winery, in northern California’s Alexander Valley, and Chateau Diana in Dry Creek, Sonoma.
Amazon China said all wines are from quality, low-yield vineyards and are priced RMB125 (GBP13) to RMB345 (GBP36). The wines are also exclusive to amazon.cn – in China, it added.
The online retailer said wines will be stored and delivered through Amazon China’s 15 operation centres throughout the country. In some cities, it promises a ‘buy in the morning and collect in the afternoon’ service.
China has the largest number of wine drinkers who buy at least some of their wine via the internet, currently at 27%, according to Wine Intelligence data released in April 2013. This is set to rise to 47% of wine drinkers by 2020.
A total 271m people in China shop online, according to the 32nd Statistical Report on China Internet Development released by the China Internet Network Information Center.
(Editing by Chris Mercer)
Written by Sylvia Wu
