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Italy ups presence at HK fair
Italy’s presence at the HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits fair 2012 is set to be significant, after further collaboration between the countries.
A signed co-operation agreement between the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Veronafiere has ensured a strong trading platform for Italian winemakers and distributors.
Mr Benjamin Chau, deputy executive director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), which organises the fair, visited Italy in March this year.
During his visit, Mr Chau signed the agreement with Veronafiere, which organised Italy’s presence as Partner Country at Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair 2011 and ensured the largest participation by Italy to date.
“I am delighted to sign this very comprehensive co-operation agreement with Veronafiere,” said Chau. “We have had a highly successful collaboration in the past and in acknowledging our appreciation of Veronafiere’s contribution, I am pleased to say that this Agreement will enhance our future co-operation.
“Italy is the world’s leading producer of wine and exerts great influence in the industry and on the wine market. In 2011, Italy hosted the fair’s largest group pavilion, with more than 200 exhibitors, up 80% over 2010. Buyers from Italy, too, increased by 86%.”
“Wine is an increasingly important trade element as Hong Kong emerges as the wine trade hub of Asia,” continued Chau. “Last year, Hong Kong’s total imports of wine from Italy were valued at €21 million, showing almost 40% growth compared with 2010.”
In 2011, the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair attracted over 930 exhibitors from 37 countries & regions and 19,400 trade buyers from 71 countries and regions, both exhibitor and buyer numbers were up 37% over 2010.
Fair highlights from last year included the Vino Sangiovese Forum, as well as a special tasting area at the pavilion. Veronafiere also organised wine-pairing cooking demonstrations by Michelin-starred chefs and a forum on Italian wine. The fair’s Gala Wine Dinner had an Italian theme.
Veronafiere will once again organise the pavilion at Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair 2012, taking place 8-10 November at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre.
For more information, visit the fair’s website: www.hktdc.com/hkwinefair