Vinexpo Hong Kong 2018 ‘surpassed all expectations’

Vinexpo Hong Kong 2018 was hailed as a success and “surpassed all expectations”, with an overall increase in visitor numbers particularly from mainland China, cementing its position as Asia-Pacific’s most important trade event for industry professionals over its three-day show held at Hong Kong’s Convention and Exhibition Centre from May 29–31, according to its organiser. 

This year, the three-day trade fair had a strong international presence and a higher attendance of visitors from mainland China, up 10% compared to 2016.

Overall, exhibitor numbers increased to an unprecedented 1,465 representing 30 countries, including 305 new exhibitors. In addition, there were 62 exhibitors from 11 countries in the WOW! (World of Organic Wines) zone and this year’s ‘Country of Honour’ Australia made its biggest ever appearance at an international trade show with 225 wine brands attending.

China was also well represented with 27 exhibitors including first time exhibitor COFCO’s GreatWall winery, one of the best known Chinese wine brands. The winery also hosted its first masterclass in Hong Kong with the drinks business Hong Kong during the fair.

Meanwhile, overall visitor figures were up 2% on 2016 and represented a wide cross-section of Asian markets with mainland Chinese visitors in pole position, followed in turn by Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea and Australia reinforcing the show’s position as the wine hub of Asia-Pacific.

Southeast Asia’s dynamic market followed with increased representation from Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

Andreas Clark, chief executive of Wine Australia commented: “Vinexpo Kong Kong is an excellent platform to meet and build on our existing relationships with importers from all over Asia-Pacific and to connect with influential trade professionals, create leads and break into new markets.”

The fair also hosted 50 masterclasses, seminars, conferences and tastings conducted by world-renowned wine experts and aficionados at the ‘Vinexpo Academy’.

The ‘One to Wine Meetings’, a new initiative encouraging trade interaction and networking was an integral part of the Hong Kong event this year, building on its introduction in 2016. Deemed a great success with 1,609 scheduled business meetings taking place during the show, the meetings enabled tailor-made business appointments between exhibitors and specifically-targeted trade executives.

Commenting at the close of the show, outgoing Vinexpo CEO, Guillaume Deglise, said: “The ability of Vinexpo to meet exhibitors’ business objectives by bringing visiting professionals together is second to none. That’s why we continue to attract such a wide variety of countries and why key professionals in the industry consider this a must-attend event.”

The opening day’s China market conference drew an eager crowd, with a panel of leading professionals and experts presenting an insightful overview on China’s growing wine market. This year’s focus was on the exponential growth of e-commerce and its importance to the millennial generation as it relates to the future of wine consumption in China.

Riding on China’s growing e-commerce market, Vinexpo also partnered with Alibaba, the world’s biggest e-tailer, to launch a transformative retail strategy that employs completely automated sales outlets with robot waiters.

Another highlight of the 20^th anniversary show was a dedicated Grenache Day, only the second for a grape variety as part of the Asia show. Vinexpo selected top wineries from around the world to create further awareness of this noble international grape.

Australia as the ‘Country of Honour’ also pulled all the stops and hosted 26 masterclasses of their own and the signature networking event, The Blend.