WELLINGTON - The New Zealand wine industry sees China as the key to diversifying its export markets.

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Twenty wineries participated in the first New Zealand wine fair held in Beijing last week, followed by another in Shanghai.

France has the biggest share of the imported wine market in China.

New Zealand wine sales there are currently worth about 10 million NZ dollars (US$7.9 million) per year.

New Zealand Winegrowers said China will be extremely important as the industry recovers from the effects of world recession and looks for new markets in Asia.

Chief executive Philip Gregan said there is tremendous opportunity in China.