Reed says it will combine with the local experience and knowledge of the team behind the Shanghai International Wine Challenge (SIWC), which has been running for 13 years.
Following this year’s awards the SIWC will be incorporated into the launch of the new IWC China, which will be based in Shanghai at the same premises of the Shanghai Waigaoqiao International Exhibition & Trading Center of Wine & Beverage Co. The Shanghai Pudong International Exhibition Corp that will continue to participate.
William Reed says IWC China will have the same judging process as the IWC have in London for the last 35 years. It says it will be the only international competition and accreditation awards of its kind to be held on mainland China combining the strengths of both the IWC and SIWC.
The organisers say IWC China will gather the finest local wine tasting talent as well as Asian-based International Judges who appreciate the Chinese consumer and trade palate to taste and adjudicate wines that are targeted for sale in China.
IWC China, working with the team behind SIWC, intends to be the primary wine event in China and will use their combined international reach to grow entries from overseas and local Chinese producers alike.
The first IWC China will take place in the first week of June, 2019 in Shanghai.
The IWC’s director, Andrew Reed said: “IWC China is a very exciting project as we will be the first globally recognised competition to be operating out of mainland China. We are confident that with the combined assistance of the SIWC we will be able to continue with our mission of helping producers from all over the world to sell more wine in their targeted markets.
“I am delighted that we will hold our events at the excellent facilities owned by the ITOC and the CCPIT,” said Reed.
“China is already a huge and fast growing market both in terms of local producers and consumers. We look forward to working with all stakeholders to grow awareness and celebrate some of the great wines that are now available in China,” said Reed.
Shanghai Waigaoqiao International Exhibition & Trading Center Company’s Cici Li said: “We are very pleased to be cooperating with the International Wine Challenge and look forward to helping more international wines gain recognition in China, as well as Chinese wines gain international recognition from such an influential competition. This will also allow a better understanding of different wine cultures and enhance the wine trade internationally.”