CHINA'S wine imports surged 91 percent in the first three quarters as production boomed in the global market, the customs bureau reported yesterday.

The country's wine imports totaled 87.58 million liters and were valued at US$240 million, up 51 percent from the same period last year.

Global win production was close to 29 million tons last year, while consumption was only 23 million tons, according to the customs report, which cited the International Organization of Vine and Wine statistics.

Among the imports, low-proof wine held a dominant 91.9 percent position.

"That was mainly due to the tastes of domestic consumers and a growing health consciousness,' said Peng Danxue of Everbright Securities.

Although the amount of foreign wine increased, prices dropped, from the previous average of US$3.45 per liter to US$2.72.

The reduction indicated foreign brands are taking a greater share at the lower end of the Chinese market.

"The wine market is still at an emerging stage in China, so both foreign brands and domestic ones are expected to further explore the market as a whole rather than focus on certain sectors," Zhang said.

Editor: Yan