Bei Jing Shang Bao·2026-01-06 15:52Core Viewpoint - The Chinese liquor market is showing signs of recovery at the beginning of 2026, with high-end and mid-range products driving sales during the New Year holiday, supported by gifting and banquet demands [1][3][6]. Group 1: Market Trends - High-end liquor brands such as Wuliangye and Moutai are prominently featured in supermarkets and liquor stores, indicating a strong consumer preference for premium products [3][4]. - The mid-range price segment (300-500 RMB) is becoming a sales leader during the holiday season, reflecting a shift in consumer behavior towards more affordable yet quality options [1][3][4]. - The banquet market is recovering significantly, with a notable increase in demand for liquor during festive occasions like New Year and Spring Festival [3][6][7]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior - The gifting market is evolving from excessive packaging to more rational consumption, with consumers placing additional criteria on their product choices [6]. - High-end liquor brands are less affected by these changes compared to smaller brands, indicating a strong brand loyalty among consumers for top-tier products [6]. - The dual recovery in the market reflects a maturation of consumer preferences, with a balance between high-end and mid-range products [6][8]. Group 3: Market Opportunities - The banquet market remains crucial for liquor sales, with a capacity of approximately 2500 billion RMB, primarily driven by wedding banquets [7]. - Companies are encouraged to focus on niche markets and enhance their distribution channels to capitalize on the evolving consumer landscape [8][9]. - The rise of instant retail channels presents significant growth opportunities, with projections indicating a market size of 360 billion RMB by 2024 [8][9].