If the indicators promised great success, the result turned out to be spectacular, claim the organisers. A total of 12,617 professional visitors attended the show; 42% more than at the last edition in 2008, with 44% from Hong Kong and macau and the balance from other countries. Mainland China led with 4,136 visitors, nearlydouble the number last time. A small number was present from India too. A total of 170 attended from Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Philippines, India and other smaller countries from the region.
All sectors of activity were represented by these visitors: importers, wholesalers, retailers, sommeliers and food & beverage managers, as well as duty free, airline and hospitality buyers. In three days, 882 exhibitors from 32 countries displayed the largest range of wines and spirits ever put on show at one venue in Asia-Pacific; every one agreed that Vinexpo Asia-Pacific is a bridgehead for China.
An intensive programme of 42 tastings, presentations and seminars of the Vinexpo Academy,delivered by renowned speakers was attended by more than 6,000 professionals, indicating the growing interest that Asians have for wines and spirits. “Vinexpo Academy was ifounded to meet the sector’s demand as a platform for knowledge enhancement”, explained Dominique Hériard Dubreuil, President of Vinexpo Asia-Pacific. “It’s a real opportunity for visitors to come and meet the finest specialists in the industry, to develop their knowledge and strengthen their confidence”.
He also added that many exhibitors, “were struck by the positive development in visitors’ knowledge, their curiosity and appreciation of the products. This development is both reassuring for the exporters and is an encouraging sign that the Asian professionals are capable of presenting product information adequately to the consumers.
According to the VINEXPO Study conducted by IWSR, the Asian wine market will undergo growth at 5% during next 5 years, compared to the world average of less than 1%. Total Asian retail sales of still light wines reached US$ 7.18 billion in 2009; they are expected to increase by 27% by 2013.
Having consumed 1.18 billion 9-litre cases in 2009, Asia-Pacific remains the leading world consumer of spirits: 50.6% of all the spirits drunk worldwide are consumed in Asia.
India has a very small portion of the wine pie so far, although it was one of the Top Ten fastest growing consuming nations in the world, according to the same study. The Indian market ihas stepped on the accelerator after a poor recessionary period lasting over a year. Current year is expected to show a growth of 25-30 % compared to the last year and should surpass the peak reached in 2008.
It will be interesting to watch the performance of the Hong Kong International Show to be organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Corporation in November. The first two editions have been fairly successful as the new shows; this year will make or break it.
Vinexpo, the Real McCoy is back into action in Bordeaux next year from 19-23 June. |