California wine producers brimming with confidence after record sales in 2013 to China
Hong Kong – ASIATODAY.COM - Just a few months after a devastating earthquake in California’s Napa Valley, the wine region has bounced back with predictions that the 2014 vintage will be the best ever. The Napa Valley produces a quarter of America’s wine produce and recorded US$115 million of exports to Hong Kong and China last year.
For wineries participating from California at this year’s Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, they come brimming with confidence as sales to Hong Kong and China have seen a spectacular 76 percent increase in wine imports from 2010. In fact, China is now the fifth largest importer of bottled wine according to US Department of Agriculture.
Jeff Williamson, Director, California Centers for International Trade Development (CITD) program who is leading the Wines of California Pavilion, commented:
“The Napa Valley earthquake was a set back for the region’s wine producers but they were able to bounce back. This year, the wine quality is set to be extraordinary thanks to the dovetailing of perfect weather patterns characterized by warm, dry days and cool evenings.”
“China is a very promising market even though there is a wine tax but the Californian producers are banking on Chinese millennials becoming the go-to market in the future. There is an emerging swathe of new wine drinkers in China who have the spending power and a large taste-and-try appetite.”
According to the Wine Institute, an advocacy group based in San Francisco, US wine exports reached US$1.55 billion in winery revenues in 2013 – 90 percent came from California. Exports to Hong Kong were down by 12 percent at US$78 million while China rose by 6 percent to US$77 million.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Rose and Zinfandel have always proven popular with Californian wine connoisseurs in Hong Kong and China. This year, leading producers and distributors from well-known growing regions will be attending the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair at booth 3C-F02, Wines of California Pavilion this week.
These producers include Arion International Group, Grand Napa Vineyards / West Coast Wine Group, Guglielgmo Winery, Henri Louis Wines, Integrity Global California Wines, LaRocca Vineyards, Wise Villa Winery and Victor Vineyards.
“The Hong Kong Wine Fair will see California exporters showcasing quality-assured wine and spirits products with tasting sessions throughout the show,” added Mr. Williamson.
One exhibitor, Wise Villa Winery recently picked up several awards including Best of Class Cabernet Sauvignon, Best of Class Syrah, Best of Class Petite Sirah, Best of Class Varietal Rose and Best of Region White Wine for their Torrontes. Wise Villa will be bringing their award-winning wines for tasting at the booth.
About California CITD
Established in 1989, the California Centers for International Trade Development (CITD) are funded by the Chancellor’s Office of the State of California to promote the state’s international trade and competitiveness, assist exporters and importers, and advance economic and job growth. The CITDs assist California business to expand internationally as well as help colleges become more globalized.
The California CITDs have offices across the state and provide a full range of trade assistance services to companies and individuals in the state of California, including: one-on-one technical assistance and consulting, market research, training and educational programs, trade leads and special events. The CITD is a place to learn about international matchmaking events and other programs taking place both in California and abroad.
About California STEP
The California State Trade and Export Promotion (California STEP) project leverages a statewide network of state, federal, private and non-profit trade promotion organizations to facilitate export promotion, activities, serving targeted industries, to drive exports for small businesses.
Managed by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Centers for International Trade Development (CITD), the network of STEP Partners implement a range of export promotion programs (20 trade missions and activities for 2011-2012) serving multiple sectors, including: Information & Telecommunications Technologies, Green Technologies, Food and Agricultural Products, California Lifestyle Products, Water Technologies, Scientific Instrumentation, Transportation Equipment and Industrial Machinery.
###
Issued on behalf of California Centers for International Trade Development (CITD) and California State Trade and Export Promotion by Newell Public Relations.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Newell Public Relations
Tiffany Tsang
Tel: 2117 5026
Email: tiffanyt@newell.com
Newell Public Relations
Julia Wong
Tel: 2117 5011
Email: juliaw@newell.com
- Published & Distributed via http://www.AsiaToday.com
