Hong Kong to be region's wine hub
By Leslie Tang 2010-11-8 13:33:42
HONG KONG: Hong Kong is keen to establish itself as the wine hub of the region as it kicks off on Thursday, the third annual Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair.
Officials also predicted Hong Kong would surpass New York as the world's biggest wine auction centre this year.
The wine event attracted a record number of exhibitors, a total of 700 from 29 countries, who are eager to tap into the growing Asia wine market.
Hong Kong's chief secretary Henry Tang, a self-professed wine lover himself, highlighted the city's growing thirst for wine.
Tang said Hong Kong's wine imports surged to US$600 million in the first nine months of 2010.
That's more than the whole of last year.
In a bid to become a regional wine hub, Hong Kong scrapped wine duty taxes in 2008.
Tang also said wine auctions in the city are flourishing.
"Last year, we overtook London to become the world's second largest wine auction centre, behind only New York," he said.
"We are set to take a bite out of the Big Apple, so please watch this space and I believe we will surpass them this year!"
Industry watchers say Hong Kong has the potential to become the leading wine market in Asia.
And it certainly seems like Hong Kongers do enjoy their reds and whites, taking the region's top spot for consumption, on a per capita basis.
This year's expo partner is Australia-
And exhibitors from Down Under were keen to uncork the region's potential.
Domaine A's sales and marketing staff Mat Conboy said: "The Hong Kong market is growing- it's just budding.
"Its very exciting what's happening here. The Chinese people love their food and I think the transition to enjoying fine wine from around the world is the next step".
Vinea Marson's owner and winemaker Mario Marson said Hong Kongers appreciate and understand wine.
"So I believe that creates a lot of opportunities to show them good quality hand-crafted Australian wines," he said.
With that outpouring of optimism, it looks like wine in this region, is going to keep on flowing.
-CNA/wk
Officials also predicted Hong Kong would surpass New York as the world's biggest wine auction centre this year.
The wine event attracted a record number of exhibitors, a total of 700 from 29 countries, who are eager to tap into the growing Asia wine market.
Hong Kong's chief secretary Henry Tang, a self-professed wine lover himself, highlighted the city's growing thirst for wine.
Tang said Hong Kong's wine imports surged to US$600 million in the first nine months of 2010.
That's more than the whole of last year.
In a bid to become a regional wine hub, Hong Kong scrapped wine duty taxes in 2008.
Tang also said wine auctions in the city are flourishing.
"Last year, we overtook London to become the world's second largest wine auction centre, behind only New York," he said.
"We are set to take a bite out of the Big Apple, so please watch this space and I believe we will surpass them this year!"
Industry watchers say Hong Kong has the potential to become the leading wine market in Asia.
And it certainly seems like Hong Kongers do enjoy their reds and whites, taking the region's top spot for consumption, on a per capita basis.
This year's expo partner is Australia-
And exhibitors from Down Under were keen to uncork the region's potential.
Domaine A's sales and marketing staff Mat Conboy said: "The Hong Kong market is growing- it's just budding.
"Its very exciting what's happening here. The Chinese people love their food and I think the transition to enjoying fine wine from around the world is the next step".
Vinea Marson's owner and winemaker Mario Marson said Hong Kongers appreciate and understand wine.
"So I believe that creates a lot of opportunities to show them good quality hand-crafted Australian wines," he said.
With that outpouring of optimism, it looks like wine in this region, is going to keep on flowing.
-CNA/wk
From channelnewsasia.com