On October 21, during an economic analysis meeting in Yinchuan, it was revealed that exports of Ningxia’s specialty products hit a new high in the first three quarters of this year. Notably, sales of wine from the Helan Mountain East region reached 910 million yuan (approximately $140 million), marking a 4.8% increase compared to the previous year. The average price of wine per bottle climbed to 69 yuan, reflecting a notable 24.8% growth.
Statistics from Yinchuan Customs further reveal that from January to August of this year, the export value of Ningxia’s wine soared to over 8.3 million yuan, indicating a 43.2% year-on-year increase, while the export volume reached 77,000 liters, up by 12.5%.
In terms of destinations, wine from the Helan Mountain East region was exported to 15 countries and regions, including Hong Kong, Thailand, and Laos. Hong Kong alone accounted for 52.9% of the total export volume, solidifying its status as the largest market for Ningxia’s wine.
Thanks to its favorable climate characterized by significant temperature variations between day and night and convenient irrigation from the Yellow River, the wine grapes cultivated in Helan Mountain East are known for their fully developed aromas, good pigment formation, and balanced acidity and sugar levels. The resulting wines boast a full body, rich aromas, and a harmonious sweetness that showcases a distinctive Chinese and Eastern character. As such, Helan Mountain East is widely recognized as one of the best regions in the world for growing wine grapes and producing high-end wines. In 2021, two national-level platforms, the National Comprehensive Experimental Zone for the Open Development of the Grape and Wine Industry and the China (Ningxia) International Grape Wine Culture and Tourism Expo, were established in Ningxia. As of 2023, the brand value of Helan Mountain East wine reached 33 billion yuan, with the overall industry value surpassing 40 billion yuan.
The relationship between Ningxia wines and Hong Kong is longstanding. Since 2017, the two regions have collaborated on international exhibitions, such as the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair and culinary festivals, fostering exchanges and tastings. This cooperation has facilitated numerous visits by over a thousand Hong Kong entrepreneurs to Ningxia, resulting in multiple partnership agreements. Currently, Ningxia wine production accounts for nearly half of China’s total output, with Hong Kong playing a crucial role as a “super connector” in the global wine industry. Events like the “Hong Kong International Wine Show” provide professional platforms for wine trade, significantly contributing to Ningxia’s entry into international markets.
So far, Ningxia wines have been exported to over 40 countries and regions. Once primarily focused on the Southeast Asian market, the wines have progressively expanded their reach to traditional wine markets in France, Australia, and Switzerland. Today, Ningxia’s wine has become a language for dialogue with the world, serving as a “purple card” for global recognition of the region.
