The 15th HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair opened today and will run for three days (3 to 5 November) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). More than 500 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions showcase fine beverages, as well as wine-related products and services, at this leading industry event in the region.

The HKTDC's Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong said: "As impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic fade out, economic activities have returned to normal. The public have been attending more social events, such as parties and wedding ceremonies, boosting the consumption and sale of wines. Reflecting all these factors and considering the impact of a low base effect last year, Hong Kong's wine exports increased 41.6% to US$300 million (HK$2.35 billion) between January and September this year."

"Given Hong Kong's role as regional wine trade and distribution hub, the annual wine fair organised by the HKTDC covers a wide variety of fine-beverage promotion events, including seminars, tasting sessions and receptions. The fair provides good business-matching opportunities for the industry, brings together wine sellers and buyers from Hong Kong, Mainland China and overseas, and facilitates the market penetration of wines and brands from around the world. The last day of the fair will open to the public (tickets required), giving suppliers a chance to test their products' suitability for Asian palates," she added.

In February 2008, as wine demand grew in Asia, the Hong Kong Government removed all duty-related customs and administrative controls on wine to foster the development of Hong Kong as a regional hub for wine trade and distribution, particularly for Mainland China. The mainland and Macao are Hong Kong's biggest markets, accounting for 69% of exports last year.

In addition to wine trading and distribution, wine-related activities in Hong Kong include auctions, retailing, warehousing, catering and transport. The Census and Statistics Department said 740 establishments imported alcoholic drinks for wholesale last year, up from 310 in 2008. In the same period the number of stores specialising in alcoholic beverage sales increased from 140 to 480.

Global exquisite-wine showcase

Themed Sparkling Business Opportunities for the Wine Industry, the fair presents a wide range of fine beverages, including old-world wines from Italy, Germany and France, as well as new world ones from Australia, Chile and Mainland China. The fair also features Japanese sake, Hong Kong beer, Taiwanese plum wine, whisky, gin, vodka and more.

The 11 group pavilions from around the world - Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mainland China and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Wine & Spirits and more - showcase a wide range of products, including the following:

As natural and organic agriculture becomes a trend, the organic wine market continues to grow. The fair features organic wines from Italy, France and Canada.

Chinese fine beverages from Ningxia, Sichuan and Xinjiang also feature. Seizing the opportunity the thriving Chinese fine-beverage market presents, a Hong Kong exhibitor showcases premium wines from Yunnan, offering fair participants the chance to taste top-notch Chinese fine wine.

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