News

Nardone Baker 'sold out' in China

Details

Created on Wednesday, 15 August 2007 14:30

This is a first for our company, and we hope it is not the last time it happens. Just as Frank Nardone arrived in Shanghai to visit our sales partners and retailers, Chinese wine lovers discovered our wines and completely bought out supplies of Nardone Baker red wine varieties.

"It's one of those quirks of retailing, where consumers discover a new product and demand outstrips supply," muses Frank Nardone.

"It was a mixed blessing because I was hoping to observe Chinese consumers interacting with our red wines in the chain of fine gourmet stores that has chosen our wines for their Select Wine Section.

"However, it is always rewarding when your export partners witness the demand that our wine range can inspire when retailers grasp the importance of a brand and nurture it for the mutual benefit of consumer, retailer and producer.

"I have also noticed a similar situation developing in Shenzhen, where we have partnered with a smaller group of Fine Wine Stores."
Frank dismisses conventional wisdom which says Chinese consumers prefer sweeter, simple wines that they often mix with soft drinks or green tea.

"I made a special point of immersing myself into authentic, Chinese cuisine during my visit, often eating at small establishments in the company of my Chinese business partners.

"What struck me the most, was the comprehensive range of flavour combinations that make up Chinese cuisine.

"Where Western foods tend to be aptly described as salty, sweet, sour, spicy, etc, Chinese foods - authentic Chinese foods - are more complex, often they are combinations of sweet and salty, spicy and sour, etc.

"As more Chinese consumers discover our Australian wine styles, I am confident that they will embrace the subtle complexities of our wine in a way that far exceeds the conditioning of our Western palates.

"It is going to be an exciting time in this industry and Nardone Baker will be at the forefront, to accommodate and please the Chinese palate."