South African made Totus limited release Pinotage wine was crowned the best-buy winner in the still red wines category at a competition during the 19th SIAL China International Trade Fair for Food which ended in Shanghai, China on Friday, the trade and industry department (dti) said.
Trajan Wines, producers of Totus, was part of a 23-member business delegation taken by the dti to China through government’s incentive scheme to showcase local agro-processing products and services, the dti said in a statement on Saturday.
The Export Marketing and Investment Scheme (EMIA) provided South African exporters with marketing assistance to develop new export markets and grow existing markets, and helped to identify new markets through research, the dti said.
Trajan Wines managing director Mark van Schalkwyk said Totus limited release Pinotage was unanimously voted by a panel of Chinese wine experts as the best-buy wine in the category of still red wines valued between EU4 and EU8 on show at the trade fair.
“I think what makes this award so special is that the Totus limited is a Pinotage which is made from a 100 percent South African grape. I hope that this vote of confidence from the Chinese will translate into growth in exponential value for this particular wine. This award definitely means we are on the right path if you look at the style of wine we produce for this particular market,” Van Schalkwyk said.
He added that he had also secured a contract with a Japanese importer and distributor to export his range of wines to Japan. “I met a distributor while exhibiting at Japan Foodex during March this year. As soon as we have covered all the requirements we will commence with our first shipment. It is my hope and wish that my product will progressively grow into the Asian market and I will incorporate this accolade that I have won at SIAL into my marketing strategy going forward,” Van Schalkwyk said.
Earlier, another South Africa company, Thandi Wines, secured a one-year contract with a Chinese distributor to export their range of premium wines to China. The contract was agreed upon on the margins of the trade fair.
“SIAL China is a leading platform for international producers and manufacturers of food products, wines, spirits, and food service equipment where businesses directly compete for China’s lucrative food and beverage market value estimated to be valued at one trillion Euros,” the dti said. (via African News Agency)
