#China #Baijiu #Guizhou #Guizhou Province #Chishui River

Chishui River Forum 2025: Exploring Sustainable Development in Liquor Industry

The Chishui River Forum 2025 recently took place on October 28 in Guizhou Province, Southwest China, under the theme "Weaving Harmony." This event successfully gathered approximately 400 participants from both domestic and international backgrounds, including prominent representatives from well-known liquor companies and sector experts. The focus of the forum was on discussing sustainable development challenges and opportunities within the global liquor industry.

Known as the "River of Fine Liquors of China," the Chishui River basin is a significant contributor to China's baijiu production, making up over 60% of the jiangxiangxing flavor category. It is home to prestigious brands like Moutai, Xijiu, and Langjiu. The traditional wisdom in liquor crafting along the riverbanks, combined with Guizhou's "industrial symbiosis" development model, offers a unique reference point for the growth of the global liquor sector.

Participants underscored that the core value of China's liquor industry rests on the blend of "quality and culture," now evolving into what many are calling the Innovation Era 3.0. This new phase emphasizes cultural appreciation, values, and lifestyle enhancement. A collective harmony, they noted, is fundamental to the identity of Chinese liquor culture, and symbiosis remains critical to sustainably advancing the global industry.

The discussions fostered at the forum were extensive, promoting cross-border cooperation, advancing technological innovation, sharing industrial resources, and jointly establishing quality standards. These initiatives are expected to inject new energy into the mutual learning of both Chinese and foreign liquor cultures, subsequently driving high-quality development across the global liquor industry.

Moreover, the forum featured thematic sessions and dialogues that spurred in-depth discussions on various topics. These included exploring potential applications of baijiu, engaging with Generation Z as consumers, integrating Chinese and international liquor cultures, and overseeing digital transformations in the sector.

Two pivotal initiatives were launched during the event: the Global Initiative for Promoting High-Quality Development of the Liquor Industry, jointly advocated by the China Economic Information Service, China Moutai, and leading liquor enterprises; and the Global Declaration of Fine Wines and Spirits from the Chishui River. These initiatives aim to collaboratively establish a global community that is open, inclusive, collaborative, prosperous, and innovative, sharing a mutual future for the liquor industry.

Furthermore, two reports were presented during the forum: one detailing the development index of internationally renowned alcoholic beverages, and the other addressing the ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) development of the leading global baijiu production area located in Renhuai, Guizhou. These reports seek to create a scientific evaluation system and benchmark for the digital advancement of the global liquor industry, supporting its growth trajectory.

The event was organized by the China Economic Information Service and China Moutai, marking a significant step towards a sustainable future for the liquor industry. The forums and discussions highlighted the importance of global cooperation and cultural exchange, setting the stage for a thriving industry that respects tradition while embracing innovation and sustainability.