Great Wine of China
It’s that time of year again, when the wine world comes together for one of the largest wine tasting events in Asia. In the video above, Monique Soltani’s report from the 2012 Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair.
Launching in 2008, the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair presents its 6th edition on 7-9 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Fueled by booming market demand and an established reputation for excellence, the fair is bringing a record number of more than 1,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions under one roof. Spain will be the fair’s partner country for the first time. Through the inaugural partnership with the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX) Spain Trade and Investment, links between the Asian wine markets and this centuries-old wine-making country will certainly be enhanced.
Partner Country for 2013
Spain’s history of vine-growing and wine-making spans several centuries. According to the International Organization of Wine and Vine (OIV), global production of wine in 2011 was about 266 million hectolitres (hl), of which Spain contributed 13%, ranking it as the third largest wine producer, after France and Italy. In Hong Kong and Asian markets, Spanish wines are gaining popularity and market share: in the first six months of 2013, Hong Kong imported 19,000 hl of Spanish wine (ranked 5th), to the value of USD 8.6 million (ranked 8th), showing significant increases of 33% and 51% in volume and value respectively compared to the same period last year. With Spain as partner country for the 2013 edition, buyers and visitors will enjoy a stronger presence of Spanish companies and a greater variety of Spanish wines.
The well-received zone Liquor & Beverage Products will keep visitors’ senses busy. Other zones include Wine Accessories & Equipment, Wine Education, Fine Wine Investment & Logistics, Wine Services and Wine Storage & Logistics will give visitors multiple rewarding options for supplies sourcing, one-stop services and investment advice during the 3-day exhibition.
Country Pavilions are highlights
Organizations from a number of traditional and emerging wine-producing countries have confirmed pavilions at the approaching fair to showcase their featured wines. They include Consejo Federal de Inversiones from Argentina, Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency, Sopexa from France, Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection of Germany, Hungarian Investment and Trade Agency, Vinitaly, Niigata Sake Brewer’s Association and JETRO from Japan, ViniPortugal, ICEX Spain Trade and Investment, Wines of South Africa and Istanbul Exporters Association. The fair will be a perfect launch pad for brands and products. Effective business talks will be initiated between vine growers and their potential buyers. Local companies such as Jointek Fine Wines (Hong Kong) Limited, Milon Wine (Hong Kong) Company Limited and Telford International Company Limited will continue to participate in the wine fair.
Supported by the favorable wine trading environment with zero import duties and tariff-free treatment under CEPA, coupled with a pool of wine experts and well-developed distribution facilities and service, Hong Kong is regarded as an ideal wine trading platform. Comparing 2012 trade figures with 2008 in which the Hong Kong government first removed the wine import duties, Hong Kong’s wine imports had shot up by 181 % to USD 1 billion, and total exports had simultaneously increased by 158% to reach USD 227 million. This revealed that the significance of demand in Asian markets and the advantages of choosing Hong Kong as a trading hub.
Beyond Business Talks
A series of fringe events will enable participants to gather information of the latest market developments. The Wine Industry Conference has attracted hundreds of industry players in previous editions. This year, internationally renowned wine experts including the Programme Advisor and Moderator Debra Meiburg, Editor in Chief of the Wine Advocate and eRobertParker.com Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Owner and Founder of Chai Consulting Maureen Downey, and Collaborator of www.jancisrobinson.com for Spanish Wine Ferran Centelles will share on topics such as the future development of Wine Advocate, tactics against counterfeit and fake wines, as well as the appreciation of Spanish wines.
Wine expert from France Benoist Simmat will also lead a conference on the next wine market. Other events such as the Asia Top Sommelier Summit, wine education seminar, various tasting sessions as well as blind tasting sessions will give visitors some market insights and ample resources for trade. Last day of the fair is open to public, wine lovers are welcome to visit the fair and join wine tasting, cocktail demonstration and fine wine tasting sessions to enrich personal experience in wine appreciation.
A Wine Competition Truly for the Asian Market
The fifth Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition is open for entries until 13 September. It is a truly Asian wine competition with awards of cuisine-specific categories such as the Best Wine Paired with Peking Duck, Chicken Tikka, Pad Thai, Sashimi, etc.
For more information visit the Fair Website: www.hktdc.com/hkwinefair
