Photo taken on November 3, 2025 shows a themed decoration of the China International Import Expo (CIIE) at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in east China’s Shanghai. (Xinhua/Fang Zhe)
For Switzerland, a wine country whose wine production is relatively modest but of high quality, the CIIE is a “remarkable stage” to showcase its authenticity, diversity and excellence, said Damian Indermitte, marketing director of Maison Gilliard, one of the oldest wineries in Valais, in southern Switzerland.
In a recent interview with Xinhua, Mr. Indermitte said he was “proud” that Gilliard wines were presented at the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, which is “one of the most important and prestigious platforms in China.”
Their emblematic Alpine products are currently presented under the Swiss Centers stand, which brings together more than 25 Swiss companies for the CIIE. The stand, located in the food and agricultural products section, covers 290 square meters, marking its largest presence since participating in the event.
“As Swiss wines remain relatively rare in Asia, the CIIE helps curious wine lovers discover our Alpine terroirs and the precision that has characterized us since 1885,” explained Mr. Indermitte.
He expressed hope that Chinese wine-loving visitors would discover and appreciate their products at the CIIE, and invited them to one day visit their cellars and vineyards in Sion, the capital of Valais in the heart of the Swiss Alps.
According to Mr. Indermitte, Switzerland has its own characteristic wines. The country has a lot of different grape varieties (more than 200 varieties) and a lot of different soils, which “really makes the difference with other countries.”
In Valais alone, there are more than 50 grape varieties, which give rise to different types of wines. For example, continued Mr. Indermitte, the white wine called Petite Arvine, “you can only find it here, in this place”. Together with the red wine called Cornalin, they are “really special to this region” and “represent Switzerland very well throughout the world”.
Maison Gilliard exports certain wines to China and already has good Chinese importers, noted Mr. Indermitte, who considered the potential of the Chinese market to be enormous. “We are open to new import partnerships in China with those who share our passion for authentic craftsmanship and Swiss quality,” he added.
