On November 14, 2024, China’s application for membership in the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) was officially accepted, marking a significant milestone in the country’s growing role within the global wine and viticulture community.
This news comes shortly after earlier reports predicted China’s full membership, coinciding with the OIV’s 100th anniversary celebrations.
The Application Process and Acceptance
China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs submitted its application for OIV membership on May 14, 2024. Following a six-month consultation period, the application was successfully approved, making China the 51st member of the OIV. As an intergovernmental organization, the OIV plays a pivotal role in shaping international standards for viticulture, winemaking, and trade.
The acceptance of China into the OIV reflects the country’s growing influence in the global wine industry, both as a producer and consumer. This membership will allow China to participate fully in the OIV’s activities and discussions, marking the beginning of a new chapter in global wine cooperation. The official ratification of China’s membership will take place over the coming year.
China’s Growing Importance in the Global Wine Industry
China’s inclusion in the OIV underscores its importance as a key player in the global wine and grape industry. According to the OIV’s State of the World Vine and Wine 2023, China ranks as the world’s 9th largest wine consumer, with an annual consumption of 6.3 million hectoliters. It also holds the third-largest area under vines globally, covering 756,000 hectares, following Spain and France.
The addition of China to the OIV increases the organization’s representativity, encompassing 85% of the world’s planted vineyard surface. China’s large-scale wine production and consumption, along with its expanding vineyard acreage, make it a crucial voice in the development of global wine standards.
What China’s Membership Means for the OIV and Global Wine Standards
Founded on November 29, 1924, in Paris, France, the OIV has long been a leading authority on the international wine industry, recognized for providing critical standards that shape viticulture and trade. The organization works with over 95% of the world’s wine-producing countries and includes 50 member nations, such as France, Italy, Spain, and the U.S.
The OIV is known as the “provider of international standards” and is a key player in the global wine trade. Its guidelines on scientific, technical, and economic issues surrounding grape cultivation, wine production, storage, sale, and consumption are widely respected and adopted. The World Trade Organization (WTO) uses OIV standards for wine-related matters, further solidifying its importance in shaping the global wine industry.
With China’s membership, the OIV is now positioned to benefit from even greater expertise and collaboration from one of the world’s most rapidly developing wine markets. This includes shared knowledge on viticultural practices, wine production methods, and evolving consumer trends.
Opportunities for Collaboration and Exchange
As China becomes an active participant in OIV activities, its involvement will undoubtedly foster increased collaboration with other member states. This collaboration could lead to the exchange of technical knowledge, research on sustainable viticulture practices, and development of new industry standards that benefit producers worldwide.
China’s wine industry, which has been growing in sophistication, offers valuable insights into emerging trends, from the cultivation of new grape varieties to innovative winemaking techniques. The integration of China into the OIV will support the global exchange of ideas and research, ultimately advancing the wine industry worldwide.
Source: Vino-Joy