China and France have agreed to increase joint efforts to reduce the number of counterfeit French wines on the Chinese Mainland.
The two countries have signed a ‘statement of intent’ to strengthen the traceability of French imported wines in China, and ‘ensure the quality of products for Chinese consumers,’ said Fleur Pellerin, French secretary of state for foreign trade at the signing ceremony in Beijing.
Wine imports in China fell in 2013 due to government austerity measures, but France remains the country’s biggest source of imported bottled wine, according to customs figures.
It’s hard to quantify the level of counterfeit wines in the Chinese market, but several importers and foreign producers report that it remains a serious problem.
‘This bilateral cooperation reflects the common desire of France and China to protect producers against counterfeits,’ said Pellerin.
It is a part of the French government’s efforts to promote recognition of geographical indications of French products in the world, Pellerin added.
In 2013, the total exports of wine and spirit from France to China have reached €836m, according to French government figures.
The ‘statement of intent’ is set to be followed by a further agreement, which will specify the terms of collaboration.
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