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 When Hong Kong was declared duty free for wine imports (duties on spirits were not lowered) in April 2008, delWine had opined that it could well surpass Singapore and become the Asian Hub for wines. It had, in fact claimed in 2009 that it had already become a hub for fine wines with the fine wine auctions crossing the combined sales of New York and London. Little did one realise that Hong Kong City would also become a hub for wine shows, with the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair (HKIWSF) debuting the same year. Later, Vinexpo made it its permanent venue for the biennial edition in Asia. Last year Vinitaly signed an MOU to have a special promotion and positioning at the HKIWSF. It seemed logical then that Prowine Asia would follow suit, especially since it is a biennial event in Singapore where it will be held in the even years.
The Biennial Prowine Asia debuted in Singapore last year in collaboration with the Food and Hotel Asia (FHA)-considered to be the most comprehensive in the hospitality trade and exhibition and conference since its maiden edition in 1978. ProWine Asia HK is being co-organised through Messe Düsseldorf China in collaboration with UBM HKES which will organise HOFEX 2017 on the same dates-May 8-11. HOFEX represents Hong Kong's leading trade show for food and hospitality and celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Both the shows will run concurrently and will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center (HKCEC) where all such shows are now held.
Details of the programmes have still not been announced but it is understood that Debra Meiburg MW will be participating and will conduct a two hour training seminar on wine education in Asia and e-commerce wine trends in Asia. Incidentally, she is the Co-founder and Chairperson of the well-established Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Competition conducted every year in conjunction with the Hong Kong Trade and Development Corporation which organises HKIWSF. Award winning wines are showcased at this event.
There will also be seminars held by ViniPortugal, an Austrian wine tasting and the Sake Award Ceremony, according to a report by dB which confirms that Jancis Robinson MW will also participate and speak about judging wine quality and host a tasting exploring ‘under-appreciated’ grape varieties,
Besides the removal of taxes, what has made Hong Kong an important wine hub is its close proximity to China. Guangzhou (previously known as Canton), the important third largest Chinese city is barely 113 kms from Hong Kong and a couple of hours by train. Shenzhen, the closest city is only 34 kms away. There are reportedly runners operating to bring duty-free wine into China regularly. Even the official figures on imports and re-exports to Mainland China show a double digit growth.
The next edition of ProWine Asia Singapore will take place on 24-27 April, 2018 at the Singapore Expo Hall 10. Perhaps to avoid confusion, ProWein would consider to soon name the shows as ProWine Asia Sg and ProWine Asia HK. Interestingly, the website of Prowein shows ProWine China on 7-9 November in Shanghai, China and ProWine Asia in Hong Kong, China on 8-11 May.
Just like other wine shows like ProWein, ProWine China and ProWine Asia Sg, ProWine Asia HK is open to only professionals involved in the wine and spirits trade, including journalists, retailers, importers, sommeliers, wine educators and brokers. To register for a complimentary 4-day pass, visit, https://www.hofex-registration.com/
For earlier related Articles, please visit:
ProWine ASIA inaugurated in Singapore
ProWine ASIA 2016 in Singapore Successful Debut
Subhash Arora |