Chinese alcohol brand Kweichow Moutai, best known for brewing the fiery grain-based drink baijiu, has overtaken Johnnie Walker-brand owner Diageo Plc. to become the world’s most valuable liquor-company.
Moutai’s market capitalisation reached $71.5bn on the Shanghai exchange on Friday, while Diageo’s London capitialistion is $71.1bn. The Chinese company’s share price has soared in the past year as it has seen rising sales from Chinese consumers upgrading to premium brands, and as a culture of business banqueting and gifting has recovered after a fierce crackdown on lavish spending in officialdom.
Baijiu has few fans outside China, and about 95 per cent of Moutai’s sales are from the domestic market. But total baijiu sales values have surged ahead and now account for 37.5% of total global spirits values, according to the Brand Finance’s most recent Spirits 50 report.