UPS, a global leader in transportation and logistics, can now ship wine, beer, and spirits (liquor) to businesses and consumers in 10 destinations across Asia Pacific (AP), comprising China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Macau. In Malaysia, only businesses can import wine and beer. 

This expansion broadens the number of alcohol shipment destinations across UPS’s global network that permit the import of all three categories of alcohol – wine, beer, and spirits (liquor). Additionally, UPS can now serve 24 of the top 35 wine importing countries, and 9 of the top 25 spirits (liquor) importing countries globally.

Depending on the destination, orders can arrive at a retailer’s storefront or consumer’s home within three business days using one of the UPS Worldwide Express shipping services, and within five business days using UPS Worldwide Expedited. All alcohol shipments require an adult signature upon delivery to consumers.

Ross McCullough, President for UPS Asia Pacific, said, “Alcohol producers from around the world can take advantage of this significant expansion to gain coveted access to doing business in Asia Pacific, particularly in China, where a fast-growing middle class is driving demand for more expensive and premium goods such as imported alcohol.”

“Alcohol merchants and retailers, operators in the food and beverage sector, and consumers in the region can all benefit from a wider range of brands and price points to choose from, while continuing to receive their orders with the same speed, reliability, and traceability that UPS’s global transportation network provides,” McCullough added.

According to data from the China Association for Imports and Export of Wine and Spirits, China’s imports of bottled wines, beer, and spirits were valued at US$2.4 billion, US$666 million, and more than US$890 million respectively for 2016. China is said to be the fifth-largest market for wine producers globally, and is slated to surpass the U.S. as the world’s third-largest wine importer by 2020 .