(Yicai) Oct. 8 -- Chinese distillers have plans to produce more whisky than is now imported into the country, as it is one of the few liquor categories where sales are increasing.

In the first eight months of this year, the price and value of China’s whisky imports rose in tandem, climbing by more than 20 percent each, according to the General Administration of Customs, though by volume they fell to 23,000 kiloliters.

In August, imports rose 17 percent by volume, 37 percent by value, and 18 percent by price from a year earlier, though overall spirits imports fell 4.2 percent by volume, the GAC’s data showed.

Amid sluggish demand for wine and China’s traditional fiery baijiu liquor, some businesses are moving into whisky in search of new growth.

Guotai Liquor launched a new whisky product before the National Day holiday. In July, Tsingtao Brewery announced a whisky partnership with Ireland’s Great Northern Distillery, and in June, BRT, a leader in pre-mixed cocktails, unveiled a plan to raise CNY1.31 billion (USD195.4 million), of which CNY1.14 billion will go toward its whisky project.

The number of whisky distilleries in China has risen to 64, a year-on-year increase of nine, according to a report published by the China Alcoholic Drinks Association last month. Capacity has reached 70,000 kl, planned capacity stands at 130,000 kl, and the industry’s long-term planned capacity is 300,000 kl.

Planned capacity already exceeds import volumes, according to the report. China shipped in 36,000 kl of whisky last year. The first China-made whisky has passed the three-year aging period and will hit the market this year and next, the report added.

Whisky is one of the popular categories among young consumers, said Cai Xuefei, general manager of Zhiqu Consulting. China has no whisky-drinking tradition, so cultivating the category needs much time and financial outlay, while the risk of a supply-demand imbalance can only grow in the future, Cai added.

Editor: Tom Litting