# Chinese alcohol market

Maotai Soars as Mid‑Tier Liquor Plummets: How China’s New‑Year Spirits Trade Is Splitting Along Channel Lines

As Lunar New Year approaches, premium Feitian Maotai has seen a sharp price rise and rapid sell‑outs, while some regional and mid‑range baijiu brands crashed after sudden factory releases. Instant‑retail platforms such as Meituan are undercutting traditional alcohol shops, pushing merchants to prioritize cash preservation and minimal stocking over speculative inventory plays.