BAIJIU MARKET ANALYSIS

Baijiu is a popular and traditional fermented alcoholic drink consumed in China. It is a clear and transparent drink named after the Chinese word ‘bai’, which means white. The production of baijiu involves preparation, daqu making, alcoholic fermentation, distillation, and aging. Sorghum is the main raw material used in the production of baijiu. Baijiu is different from other liquor because it is contained in mud pit or clay vessel unlike whisky which are contained in wooden barrels during the process of sugar conversion and fermentation.

Market Dynamics

• Increasing preference of baijiu among the populace and rising disposable income of consumers are key factors driving the global baijiu market growth. The drink can be stored for longer duration without any change in taste. Although, sorghum is a popular ingredient used to produce baijiu, other ingredients such as wheat, barley, rice, millet, and corn can also be used. Consumption of small amount of baijiu reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, reduces the uric acid concentration in serum, helps to improves serum lipid profiles, decreases platelet aggregation, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), China Alcoholic Drinks Association stated that consumption of baijiu in 2017 grew at the rate of 9% from 2016.
• Furthermore, increase in production of wheat and maize is expected to boost the supply of raw materials for production of baijiu and helps in growth of the global baijiu market. According to a statistics of Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), the global production of maize was 1,060 million tons in 2016 and grew at the rate of 4.9% from 2015. Moreover, the global production of wheat was 749 million tons in 2016 and grew at the rate of 1.7% from 2015.
• However, baijiu contains high volume of alcohol (up to 65%) and its excessive consumption may lead to damage of liver and pancreas, experience of numbness, and affect the immune and digestive systems.

Market Outlook

• Among the crop type, sorghum cereal segment accounted for the highest market share in the global baijiu market in 2017. This is owing to high preference of sorghum as a raw material due to its distinct flavor compared to other ingredients used to manufacture baijiu.
• Among the type of flavor, strong-flavor segment held dominant position in the market in 2017. This is owing to characteristics such as fragrant flavor, soft mouth feel, and aftertaste of strong-flavor baijiu. The segment is projected to hold dominant position in the market over the forecast period.
• Among region, Asia Pacific held highest market share in the global baijiu market in 2017. The region is projected to maintain its dominance over the forecast period as China is the largest producer and consumer of baijiu in the world. According to a report of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in May 2018, consumption of baijiu in China is expected to grow at 12% rate in 2018. China consumed 12 billion liter of baijiu in 2017.
• Since consumption of baijiu is 99% in China and rest 1% is consumed in different parts of the world. In 2017, Kweichow Moutai Co. Ltd unveiled that the company has signed a MoU with San Francisco’s Mayor to expand the consumption of baijiu in America and the company will also export baijiu in 100 other nations.

Key players in Global Baijiu Market

• Key players operating in the global baijiu market include, Jiangsu Yanghe Distillery Co., Ltd, Net Company Inc., Brunsonnet Hubei Daohuaxiang Wine Co., Ltd., Kweichow Moutai Co., Ltd, Wuliangye Group, Beijing Shunxin Holding Group, Anhui Yingjia Group, Gujing Group Co., Ltd, Luzhou Laojiao Co., Ltd, Shaanxi Xifeng Liquor Co., Ltd., and Sichuan Langjiu Group.

Key Developments

• Key players are adopting inorganic growth strategies such as partnership, merger and acquisition, new product launches in order to gain market share in the global baijiu market.
• In April 2019, Jiangsu Yanghe Distillery and Diageo formed joint venture to launch Zhong Shi Ji, whisky in the china market. This new-to-world whisky is carefully and specially crafted by master blenders and distillers from Scotland and China.
• In July 2019, Fenjiu launched five varieties baijiu in the United Kingdom to expans its product portfolio and strengthen its position in the market. The company has launched five varities including: Qinghua Fenjiu 30 Years Old 48%, Qinghua Fenjiu 30 Years Old 53%, Zhu Ye Qing Jiu 5 Years Old 38%, Zhu Ye Qing Jiu 30 Years Old 45% and Fenjiu 10 Years Old 45%.
• In November 2019, Tembusu Partners Pte Ltd a private equity firm has announced to launch its first China guizhou baijiu fund in partnership with renuhuai city government. The fund will target baijiu foundation spirits within the guizhou region.

Market Taxonomy

On the basis of source, the global baijiu market is segmented into:

• Sorghum
• Wheat
• Barley
• Corn
• Rice

On the basis of flavor, the global baijiu market is segmented into:

• Strong-flavor
• Sauce-flavor
• Light-flavor
• Rice-flavor
• Sesame-flavor
• Chi-flavor
• Others (Te-flavor, Feng-flavor, and others.)

On the basis of distribution channel, the global baijiu market is segmented into:

• Specialty Stores
• Hypermarkets
• Supermarkets
• Online stores
• Convenience Stores
• Liquor Stores

On the basis of region, the global baijiu market is segmented into:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Europe
  • U.K.
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • France
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • ASEAN
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Middle East & Africa