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According to the IWSR study, continental China saw a massive increase, doubling the number to 2,254 from 2006. Korea (657), Taiwan (438), Japan (209), Singapore (203), Australia (175) followed. Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, India and other countries in the region also attended according to the report by Just Drinks.
Organisers believe the strong interest generated by the exhibition confirms the energy that exists in the Asian market, which is a consequence of the growing attraction of consumers towards wine and spirits.
"All the exhibitors reported noticing marked progress over the past few years in the knowledge and appreciation of the products. We are convinced that this contributes to the development of the wine and spirits industry in the region by stimulating consumption," said Dominique Hériard Dubreuil, president of Vinexpo overseas.
Around 692 exhibitors from 32 countries presented at the event in Asia-Pacific with approximately 70,000 bottles available for tasting.
According to the study, Asia's wine market will grow the fastest in the next five years, achieving 8% annual growth compared to a world average of 1%. Retail sales of still wines in Asia in 2006 amounted to US$4.753bn and should increase by 33.9% between now and 2011.
The expected annual growth of 30% plus may not impact the above figures much as the current annual consumption of 11 million liters is a ' drop in the ocean'. India is expected to assert itself in another 7-8 years when its consumption is estimated to cross 60 million liters a year.
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