Launched in 2008, the HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair (Wine & Spirits Fair) presents its 7th edition on 6-8 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year’s Wine & Spirits Fair runs under the theme of “Leisure in Chateau” , embracing the atmosphere of a relaxing yet luxurious environment. It serves as the perfect platform for wine and spirit lovers for tasting, and industry players for sourcing.
Fuelled by booming market demand and an established reputation for excellence, the fair attracted over 1,000 exhibitors from 40 countries and regions in 2013, and produced a strong visitor turnout, with over 20,000 visitors from 80 countries and regions attending the event. Exhibitors will showcase their latest collection and to impress and satisfy unique palates.
Whisk It Up
Since 2008, Hong Kong has removed all wine duties, and with no Value-Added Tax or General Sales Tax, Hong Kong becomes the vital wine port among major economies. Wine-making regions are eyeing on the Asian markets, and particularly the Chinese market, for the tremendous business opportunities. For the first 6 months of 2014, exports from Hong Kong amounted USD 148 million, an increase of 8.5%; whereas import reaching USD 540 million, an increase of 4.7%, compared to 2013.
The whiskies category is taking slow but also stably stepping up, resilient to negative economic conditions, with a growth of 87% by value over the 10 years to 2011. As for the 6 months of 2014, international exports of whisky has reached USD 31 million (+14.6%), while imports soared up 34.5% to USD 37 million.
In view of the robust growth of whisky in the industry over the years, the Wine & Spirits Fair presents a dedicated exhibition zone for whisky, as well as a bar area this year, the Whisky Bar. In a sophisticated setting, tasting and education sessions will be provided to visitors to enrich their knowledge and experience with whisky.
Exhibitors and Buyers Praised the Fair
Pavilions from various countries and regions, as well as trade organisations, will take part, including: Wine Australia, Austrian Wine Marketing Board, Canadian Food Exporters Association, Sopexa, Japan External Trade Organization, Wines of South Africa, Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade, and Centers for International Trade Development from the U.S. etc. First time participating pavilions include the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy from the Republic of Macedonia and Australia in Vines Association.
Both exhibitors and buyers greatly appreciated the numerous opportunities generated by the fair. One of the returning pavilions, Sopexa, expressed their satisfaction from last year’s fair results. “This fair is important to French exhibitors because it attracts many buyers from Asia. Due to increasing competition from other wine-producing regions, French companies need to be here to present their wines and to expand their market share in Asia. The fair is a very good place to establish new contacts and meet with existing customers,” said Adeline Vancauwelaert, Director, International Exhibitions & New Business for Companies, Sopexa, France.
Also speaking of the 2013 fair, Gernot Haack, CEO, Mövenpick Wein AG, Germany, said, “I am keen to find new products for the German market because wine consumption in Germany is rising. So far, I have found potential suppliers from South Africa and Chile. It is likely that I’ll cooperate with these suppliers. I like this fair because there is a good concentration of international exhibitors and it is divided into clear product zones which make sourcing easier.”
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 MW, will share the latest industry updates with the audience.
Other events such as wine education seminars and various tasting sessions are also organised. Among all, new events include Management Power-up Workshop for F&B Operators sharing on “How to Well-utilise Sommelier/ Wine Steward Position”, Asia-Oceania Sommelier Baron’s Table on “Forum of Young Sommelier Development in Asia” etc, will give visitors some market insights and ample resources for trade.
Last day of the fair is open to public, wine lovers with valid tickets 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 sixth Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition (HKIWSC) is open for entries until 12 September. The judging will take place in October, while results will offer the Asian wine consumer the ultimate guide to purchasing wine that is sensitive to the Asian palate and cultural consumption patterns. 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 details, please visit http://www.asiasbestwinesandspirits.com/.
Fair Website: www.hktdc.com/hkwinefair
Media Contacts:
Ms Jessica Ng
Tel: (852) 2240 4404
Fax: (852) 3915 1477
Email: jessica.ky.ng@hktdc.org
