China rebounds as Vinexpo’s number one visitor

This year’s Vinexpo demonstrated China’s surge back into the global wine scene as the number of Mainland visitors increased by 9% from 2014’s show figures.

Vinexpo’s CEO Guillaume Deglise addresses the media at the closing ceremony

Over 17,000 visitors descended on Hong Kong’s Conference and Exhibition Centre this week for Vinexpo Hong Kong 2016’s three day trade-focused wine and spirits event.

The show saw 1,300 exhibitors representing brands from 33 countries and a 9% increase of visitors from Mainland China, compared to 2014’s show figures which Vinexpo said indicated China’s clear return as a strong buyer’s market. Hong Kong came second in visitor representation, followed by Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and Singapore.

“China is back,” said Xavier de Eizaguirre, Vinexpo’s Chairman. “There’s no doubt that 2016 is the year of Asia and with our China Market conference which presented an insightful look at the wine market in China and discussing e-commerce in the region as well as the importance of embracing millennials and brand building, it’s clear that the world is still keen to follow what the trends in China are.”

This year also shone a light on Italy as Vinexpo’s dedicated country of honour. A large number of Italian producers were represented at the show, of which 60 from smaller, boutique wineries were were there for the first time. In partnership with publishing group, Gambero Rosso, Vinexpo provided a platform for both well-known and emerging Italian brands offering the country the opportunity to gain international exposure.

The next Vinexpo will be in Tokyo on 15-16 November and highlights Japan as the number one Asian market for imported spirits, and second for wines with a total of 178,000 retail outlets.

Spain has been chosen as the country of honour for Vinexpo Bordeaux 2017 which takes place from 18-21 June. China again, is expected to be the  top visiting country followed by the United States.

“We are delighted to receive our Spanish neigbours in Bordeaux,” said Vinexpo’s CEO Guillaume Deglise.

“Spain is producing some fantastic wines with world renowned gastronomy and we look forward to welcoming its talented wine producers in France next year.”