LIQUOR conglomerate Distell believes the market for in China has enormous potential, and could grow to the same size as the South African market within 10 years. Distell produces best-selling cider brands Savanna and Hunters, and is ranked as the second-largest cider producer in the world. The company’s cider range — launched in the late 1980s — has been a game changer for Distell, surpassing its traditional wine and spirits brands as the biggest profit generator. At the release of its results for the year to the end of June on Wednesday, CEO Richard Rushton said the company had made a strategic move to bolster its presence in China with the announcement of a joint-venture agreement with China Haisheng Juice Holdings Company. Distell would have management control of the joint venture, which would launch Savanna and Bernini in China, alongside a portfolio of locally produced Chinese ready-to-drink brands. Asked why the strong-selling Hunters cider brand was not being marketed in Chin...
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