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Wine Australia appoints new general manager for Greater China
Wine Australia has appointed an “experienced China hand” to head its Greater China team as the country looks to further drive its wine exports to China past the AU$1 billion mark in the coming year.
A former ASC executive, David Lucas, has been named as the new regional general manager Greater China for Wine Australia, the trade organisation has announced.
“David has spent the past 20 years in Asia and has significant experience within the wine and spirits categories across North Asia”, commented Wine Australia’s CEO Andreas Clark on the new appointment.
Prior to joining Wine Australia, Lucas most recently worked with China’s leading wine importer ASC Fine Wines, undertaking multiple roles including vice president of sales. Previously, he also worked for Bacardi and Allied Domecq developing spirits markets.
“With exports to Greater China now approaching $1 billion, it is essential that we strengthen the resources we have in the market to develop even bigger and deeper relationships,” Clark noted.
Australian wine exports to mainland China in 2017 soared 63% to AU$848 million, accounting for 33% of Australia’s total export value last year, thanks to the strong impetus of the two countries’ Free Trade Agreement that has continued to eliminate import tariffs on Australian wines.
By 2019, the import tariffs on Australian wines will be completely scrapped, though Australian wines, like the rest of imported wines, are still subject to VAT and consumption tax.
“Under the $50 million Package investment, we rolled Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan markets into the remit of our team in Shanghai. David’s channel management background across China and Asia will allow us to reinforce our ability to act as a key bridge between our wineries and brands and the market with all of its complexities, giving us a huge opportunity to continue our stunning growth,” Clark said.
Lucas commenced on Monday 26 February 2018, reporting to Stuart Barclay, general manager of marketing. Willa Yang, who has managed the China team for many years, will continue as head of market for China reporting to Lucas.