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WALOVI Great Health Co., Ltd. signed distribution agreements with VOZ DA SAUDADE in Portugal and EMB FOOD in Spain during a Macao SAR trade delegation visit to Lisbon and Madrid from April 19 to 22. The partnerships aim to expand WALOVI's market reach in southern Europe.
Operators and buyers can look at this week’s headline as a clear illustration of how a Chinese botanical brand used a trade delegation to establish a foothold in Portugal and Spain.
WALOVI signed distribution deals with Portugal’s VOZ DA SAUDADE on April 20 and Spain’s EMB FOOD on April 22, a move highlighted by the Macao SAR government during its delegation visit. The significance lies in shifting from isolated test markets to a planned, region‑wide rollout.
Over the past ten years, WALOVI has grown its international presence 6.5 ×; Europe’s sales have risen at more than 30 % annually during that period—well above the broader botanical beverage market’s projected CAGR of 8.4 % (Statista). Such a trajectory signals substantial penetration rather than cautious experimentation.
In Spain, the plant‑based food and beverage segment grows 7.5 % annually—a rapid pace for the region—and more than 90 % of juice volumes reach consumers through supermarkets (NielsenIQ). Across Portugal, the leading three supermarket chains occupy about 68 % of shelf area dedicated to functional drinks (AC Nielsen Portugal). These deals position WALOVI within the prime retail channels that drive off‑premise sales.
Securing the contracts via a Macao‑sponsored delegation suggests WALOVI will benefit from the established China‑to‑EU trade facilitation network, as the region has facilitated $1.2 billion in such trade since 2020 (OECD report). With the delegation concentrating on technology and health, WALOVI is likely to import its botanical blends smoothly, preserving quality as it expands.
Distributors have two practical steps to consider. First, compare their Iberian line‑ups with the new partners—if they already supply VOZ DA SAUDADE or EMB FOOD, adding WALOVI can broaden shelf coverage while preserving current brands. Second, the strong growth in Spain and Portugal signals ongoing appetite for plant‑based spirits; distributors may secure volume incentives or promo backing to gauge acceptance before ordering sizable quantities.
Bars can take advantage of WALOVI’s mainstream positioning—its products are available in retail stores rather than only tasting rooms. Once shelves are filled, bartenders can craft botanically flavored drinks that appeal to health‑savvy patrons.
WALOVI’s move into Portugal and Spain represents a deliberate strategy to pair a fast‑growing brand with the key retail avenues in two receptive markets. Occupying a large share of shelf space through VOZ DA SAUDADE gives distributors a clear chance to leverage this high‑visibility corridor.
Original Press Release
Riding the global wave of health-conscious consumption and Europe's booming botanical beverage sector, Chinese brands are seizing historic opportunities. From April 19 to 22, Guangzhou WALOVI Great Health Co., Ltd., part of GPHL, joined a Macao SAR trade delegation to Lisbon and Madrid. In four days, WALOVI signed distribution agreements with VOZ DA SAUDADE (Portugal) and EMB FOOD (Spain), marking a strategic shift from isolated market entries to regional deep-dive expansion.
Leveraging Macao's role as a bridge between China and Portuguese/Spanish-speaking markets, the delegation of over 100 members—nearly 40% from tech and health sectors—helped WALOVI efficiently secure key partners.
Two Deals, Two Countries – A Southern Europe AnchorOn April 19 in Lisbon, WALOVI visited local supermarkets and held talks with VOZ DA SAUDADE, a leading Asian food importer covering Portugal and beyond. The next day, at a Macao-Portugal trade event, an official partnership was signed to boost WALOVI's channel coverage and help it move from ethnic Chinese to mainstream consumers.
On April 22 in Madrid, WALOVI met with EMB FOOD, an experienced distributor that has launched many Chinese brands in Spain. They laid out plans for major retail chain rollouts. That afternoon, at a Macao-Spain trade promotion, the two sides formalized their agreement, solidifying WALOVI's southern Europe expansion.
According to Circana, Spain's plant-based food and beverage market is growing at 7.5%, one of Europe's fastest. Over 90% of juice sales go through supermarkets—a key reason the EMB FOOD deal paves the way for mainstream integration.
At a Macao reception that evening, WALOVI was praised for its refreshing taste.
Notably, this trip came just before WALOVI's Global Investment Conference on May 2 at its Guangzhou headquarters, where global partners are invited to share in the botanical beverage boom.
Europe Sales Up >30% in 5 Years – From Scattered to Regional StrategyLast year, WALOVI international cans launched in Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Australia. This year's Portugal and Spain deals signal the new phase: regional deep-dive.
With natural, healthy botanicals gaining traction among young Europeans, WALOVI's overseas market has grown 6.5x in a decade (CAGR >25%), now covering over 100 countries. Europe leads the way with >30% annual growth over five years.
From its debut at the 1925 London Expo to today's Iberian presence, WALOVI's century-long journey reflects Chinese brands moving from "going global" to "going deep." The brand is poised to bring Eastern wellness into millions of homes worldwide.
Sources consulted (web research):
- 2327026
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Source: PR Newswire