On the afternoon of March 24, the 2025 "China Wine Industry Huaxia Awards" ceremony, hosted by China Wine News and the China Wine Industry News Network, grandly commenced at the Chengdu Celebrity Hotel. As the most influential annual event in China’s wine industry, the ceremony gathered over 200 representatives from wineries, industry associations, and experts nationwide to witness the recognition of industry benchmarks and engage in in-depth discussions on critical topics.
Centered around the theme "Moments of Glory," the event unfolded through 12 segments, unveiling a series of prestigious awards. Wu Xianguo, President of China Wine News, delivered the opening speech, stating, "Wisdom helps us find new paths in adversity, and confidence keeps us steadfast through storms. This is the original intent behind establishing the Huaxia Awards. By honoring enterprises and individuals who uphold theiroriginal aspirations and embrace innovation, we aim to inspire every practitioner. Each awardee’s story is a driving force for our industry’s progress."
The 2024 "China Wine Industry Meritorious Figure" award was first presented to industry titan Zeng Zuxun, recognizing his decades of contributions to technological innovation in winemaking. Subsequently, the 2024 "China Wine Industry Annual Figures" awards were claimed by Yuan Qingmao (Chairman of Shanxi Xinghuacun Fenjiu Group and Fenjiu Co., Ltd.) and Wu Xiangdong (Chairman of Zhenjiu Li Du Group, HuaZhi Wine Distribution, and Jindong Investment Group).
Thirteen leaders from diverse sectors of the industry were honored as 2024 "China Wine Industry Annual Influential Figures," including Wang Renguo (Chairman of Peihua Group), Fu Xiaotong (Chairman of Shaanxi Liulin Winery), Chi Jinqing (Founder of Henan Jinhui Winery), and Zhang Yanzhi (Owner of Xige Winery). Following the awards, a panel discussion moderated by industry veteran Wu Yong addressed pressing issues such as:
- New Quality Productivity in the Digital Era: How can Chinese wineries enhance innovation in production and management?
- Avoiding Internal Competition: Strategies for navigating the "14th Five-Year Plan" finale and consumption upgrade trends.
- Surviving the Stock Competition Era: Balancing quality, emotional appeal, and cost-effectiveness amid high channel inventories.
- Engaging Young Consumers: Adapting to shifts toward self-indulgence and emotional-driven consumption.
- Online-Offline Integration: Reshaping wine distribution in an era of transformative retail.
Fifteen industry representatives received the 2024 "China Wine Industry Annual Craftsman Figures" award, with Rao Jiaquan, Vice President of Shede Winery, delivering a speech. The "Annual Rising Stars" category spotlighted 14 emerging talents, including Wei Zhengyue (inheritor of Yantaishan Zhuang Ethnic Winemaking Techniques) and Liang Yuqiao (Deputy General Manager of Ningxia Hong Goji Industry).
Beyond individual accolades, brands and products were celebrated across multiple categories, such as "2024 Most Benchmark Value Brand," "Most Revitalizing Brand," and "Most Innovative Packaging Brand." The ceremony concluded with the China Wine News(CWN) International Spirits & Wine Competition awards, reaffirming its mission to "select the world’s finest wines."
While the spotlight shone on stage, the Huaxia Awards also paid tribute to every unsung contributor striving for excellence in China’s wine industry. Their collective dedication continues to propel the sector forward, blending tradition with modernity in an ever-evolving global landscape.