A German company is trying to tempt Chinese drinkers with sparkling wine. Sektkellerei Henkell & Co sees China as a huge market, but analysts say it may take a while for consumers here to acquire the taste.

In China, consumption of sparkling wine is only one drop out of a bottle but considering the size and population, future market potential is huge.

Japan is the largest market in Asia for Henkell, but Gourmedis general manager Herve Streifer expects China to take over within five years.

The Chinese market for sparkling wine is tiny and the total wine market much smaller than beer or liquor due to traditional drinking habits.

According to Wine China Website, sparkling wine is expected to be the frontrunner in the industry by 2010. Production of sparkling wine is forecast to grow a minimum 13 percent from 2005 to 2010, with a market value of US$33.7 billion by 2010.

Source:佚名