An empty bottle of an 80-year-old Kweichow Moutai – the most well-known liquor in China – can be sold on the repurchasing market at a price of up to 10,000 yuan ($1,612), said a report of China Economic Net Friday.

Reports indicate that around 90 percent of the liquor in the market is fake since Kweichow Moutai’s annual production stands at around 200,000 tons, while more than two million tons are sold every year.

An empty bottle produced in as early as 1960 renders up to 6,500 yuan ($1,048), while one from 1980s sells at 2,000yuan ($322). 

According to the report, Guizhou-based Kweichow Moutai Company announced on December 15, 2010, that it would raise the price of its famed Moutai liquor by around 20 percent, starting from January, 2011.

The company stated that rising raw material costs and strong market demand are what fuels the price adjustment. In addition, the short supply of the beverage gives chances for its bottles to be filled with fake or blending liquors, posing threat to the company.

A liquor store-owner who refused to reveal his name, told the reporter that the price of Moutai wine bottles has increased several times compared with previous years.

Moutai bottles produced in 1995, with integral package and good condition can be sold at 400 yuan ($64.5). The average was only 80 yuan ($12) a few years ago. “The increasing value of the bottles is higher than that of the liquor itself,” he said. 

Only famous liquor bottles in good condition can be sold at lucrative prices. Damages on package, appearance and condition all prejudice its reselling price.

An industry insider told the media that it is easy to tell adulterated liquor in a fake wine bottle, but it is hard to distinguish, if they are in authentic bottles.