Changsha, Hunan Province, China; October 2009 – Merchant du Vin is pleased to announce the formation of MdV-Asia Ltd. - a beer importing company based in Hong Kong and selling throughout China.

After nearly two years of research, planning, and building a distributor network, the official launch was held in Changsha, Hunan Province, China on Oct. 16, 2009. Appointed distributors from across China and media met for an official introduction, brand training, and excellent dining combined with beer frolicking. Representatives from Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery (Tadcaster, England) and from Ayinger Brewery (Aying, Bavaria, Germany) were on hand for an expert presentation of each brewery’s history, culture, and technical aspects.

The launch included a five-city tour with introduction parties in several on-premise accounts. MdV-Asia Ltd. General Manager Samson Lo stated, “The Chinese specialty beer market is still small, but has been growing rapidly over the past five years - and specialty beers are the fastest-growing component in the beer category. Chinese people like to try new things.”

Currently, MdV-Asia Ltd. is selling Samuel Smith and Ayinger beers in China. MdV President Rich Hamilton said, “We’re super excited to be part of this dynamic beer market. We have taken a very focused approach with a limited portfolio to start, and we’ll continue to evaluate our business model based on opportunities in China. Over time we expect to grow the portfolio on a selected basis . . . we may even branch out from our stalwart US portfolio and represent a slightly different mix. But one thing is certain: we will build the market using the same fundamentals that have proven so successful in the United States - commitment to product quality, focus on beer education, and exemplary customer service.”

The people of China have contributed an enthusiastic thumbs up to the formation of MdV-Asia Ltd: sales so far are ahead of expectations!

Beer distributors from Beijing, Changsha, Chengdu, Dalian, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Sanya, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tangshan, Zhengzhou, and Zhuhai joined MdV-Asia personnel for the education seminar and kickoff, then gathered for a bus tour to Shaoshan - birthplace of Mao Zedong - followed by a traditional Chinese dinner and toasts.