The International Research Centre for Spirits Innovation (IRCSI), a China-backed new international spirits research body, has been established in London, UK.

With its headquarters in London, IRCSI will focus on the development and promotion of the Chinese distilled spirit type Baijiu across the world.

Baijiu is a grain-based spirit, which is said to have a history of more than a thousand years.

Although the spirit is not well known outside the Chinese market, it is said to be one of the best-selling spirits in the world.

IRCSI will be a non-profit organisation and will be engaged in exploring new and sustainable development pathways for developing a profile for the Chinese spirit Baijiu globally.

Additionally, the organisation will focus on establishing an international platform for the master distillers, which will enable them to exchange their thoughts, techniques and innovations.

During the launch of IRCSI, Chinese spirits producer Luzhou Laojiao International Development signed a deal with UK-based company Kylin Spirits Group to develop and distribute Baijiu products on a global scale.

The IRCSI launch event was attended by more than 120 guests.

The initiative to set-up of the organisation was taken after a group of international master distillers, entrepreneurs and economists met in London last month.