Camus’ subsidiary, Yuan Liu International Trade, will distribute the super-premium vodka in the market.

Alexander Mechetin, CEO of Synergy Group, told Drinks International earlier this year that the group had plans to expand its flagship vodka brand in Western Eurpoe and the US but now has his sights set on China.

He said: “As a whole in the Asian region and in the People's Republic of China in particular, [we have observed a] shift in consumer trend from "brown" alcohol towards vodka.”

Cyril Camus, president of Camus Group, which has made the Chinese market a focus in the last ten years, said: “This agreement underscores the close working relationship which we already enjoy with Synergy Group and takes it beyond the borders of Russia.

“The Beluga brand is a perfect fit within Camus’ existing portfolio of high-end wine and spirits. We are very much looking forward to introducing this prestigious and iconic brand to the burgeoning high-end vodka market in China”