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| Hong Kong Convention Exhibition Centre- photo Vinexpo |
The previous Vinexpo Asia-Pacific is said to have broken all records in terms of visitor attendance, with 12,617 professionals (up 42% compared to 2008) from 25 countries coming through its doors to browse the products of 882 exhibitors from 35 countries, another increase of 27.4% against 2008. The show will add an extra 2,000sq m, bringing the total floor area to 10,500sq m, to accommodate the extra number of participants.
The Vinexpo world market survey forecasts that growth in Asia will account for 53.7% of the total increase in wine consumption worldwide between 2011 and 2015, reflecting the importance of the region’s wine and spirits markets. To get a proper perspective, while US reportedly consumed the equivalent of 3.7 billion bottles of wine in 2011, China (including HK guzzled 1.9 billion bottles, according to the Vinexpo and International Wine and Spirit Research (IWSR).
French exhibitors will be present in big numbers, according to Vinexpo organisers. New world wines are back with a bang. Encouraged by 50% growth in China during each of the previous 3 years, as reported by Michaela Stander, WOSA marketing Manager for Europe and Asia, South Africa has more than doubled its total stand area to 234sq m this time. Australia which is looking to increase push in the export markets has increased its presence by a whopping 600%. Even the US is increasing participation area by 56%, while Chile will occupy more than 700sq m of stand space. After suffering recession, New Zealand also returns with a pavilion. The other major producing nations including Spain, Italy, Lebanon and Greece will also be exhibiting.
Some of the exhibitors are Billecart-Salmon, Paul Jaboulet Ainé, Boisset, Rémy Cointreau, Bollinger, Castel Frères, Baron Philippe de Rothschild from France, KWV from South Africa, Zonin and Banfi from Italy, Marques de Riscal and Gonzalez-Byass from Spain, and Concha y Toro and Santa Rita from Chile according to a Press Release.
India does not participate in this event-it has taken part in the previous three editions of the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair instead. It will however be participating through IGPB in Prowein next month where 10 producers are expected to exhibit. ‘Four Seasons, Vintage Wines, Fratelli, Zampa, Mercury and Nirvana have already confirmed their presence,’ says Mr Randhir Patel, under Secretary in the MOFPI. The balance four slots are likely to be filled soon. (For confirmation or other details, please contact randhir.patel@nic.in). ‘In all likelihood we shall take part in the London Wine Fair too,’ he indicates. Nevertheless, Vinexpo Hong Kong presents a good opportunity for importers to source wines from the global 1000 wineries and presents an opportunity to meet their principals, closer to home.
Vinexpo now switches back and forth between Bordeaux and Hong Kong in alternate years, indicating the importance of the Asian market in the wine world, spurred during the last decade due to a rising lust for wine in China and after Hong Kong established itself as a center of the fine wine world when all duties on wine were withdrawn in 2008. According to organisers, China has replaced UK to become the fifth largest consumers of wine in the world.
The list of exhibitors and other details are available on www.vinexpo.com. |