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| Indian stand at the HKIWSF-2009 |
The excitement about the bi-annual Vinexpo held earlier in May this year has still not subsided but the fever and fervour for Hong Kong’s very ‘own show’ have started building up, with the organisers HKTDC announcing several new features and continuing with the existing popular ones from last year.
Besides the usual tasting sessions, seminars and guided tastings by experts, there will be the usual Master Classes conducted by Masters of Wine. In addition, the Education Corner, a Wine Gallery showcasing wine glasses and wine accessories, as well as wine books and merchandise, is another attraction. A competition for The Most Appealing Wine Label for Mainland Market would be interesting for those interested in the Chinese market.
Eleven Indian producers will participate in the joint stand of 54 sq mtrs organised by the IGPB for the second time. Since, the invitation to participate is on a first-come-first-served basis, the producers would do well to take an immediate action and not face disappointment as last year and should contact the Board immediately.
The show being held at the same venue as last year- Hong Kong Exhibition and Trade Center, is open to visitors who are more than 18 years of age. First 3 days, Nov 4-6 are reserved for professionals while general public will also be allowed on Nov 7.
In conjunction with the show, the 2nd International Wine & Spirit Competition is also being held on 30 October to 2 November. The competition had drawn 1300 entries in the very first year, making it the largest pan-Asia wine competition. One person who was not surprised with the success, is the director of IWSC, Debra Meiburg MW. She says, “with the Asian wine market’s growth far out pacing the rest of the world, we were not surprised by the success of the competition, even in its first year. Wine producers globally have seen the exponential growth of the Asian wine market and are eager to be involved.”
Coincidentally, as also announced by the India Wine Challenge last week and reported in delWine, this edition will also feature two new trophies for spirits for the first time, giving credence to the rising acceptance of scotch and cognac being still high in the minds of Asian who like to get a high. As IWSC director Allen Gibbons says, “Asia Pacific is one of the most important spirits markets in the world, accounting for 50.6 percent of world consumption.”
An additional food and wine pairing trophy for “Best Wine with Sashimi” will also be added to the four existing trophies-Best Wine with Dim Sum, Kung Pao Chicken, Braised Abalone and Peking Duck.
Last year’s Fair saw exhibitor numbers more than double over the inaugural fair in 2008, with 525 exhibitors from 34 countries and regions participating. Indian producers also exhibited through the Indian Grape Processing Board (IGPB). Due to Diwali, there may be no participation at the Fair. However, 550 exhibitors are expected to exhibit in the Fair.
There was also increase in number of buyers last year to 12,000 of which came from 62 countries and regions, registering an increase of over 36% over the maiden edition. Indian Wine Academy (IWA) took a delegation of 14 buyers at the invitation of HKTDC, who enjoyed their hospitality. They were keen to visit again this year. However, (IWA) has taken a rain check due to the Diwali falling during the Fair.
However, there are good incentives of up to $270 towards hotel stay for individual buyers who attend the show for 4 days, with no obligations to buy. Alternatively, there may also be reimbursement of up to $230 as the air travel subsidy to the Fair. Contact the organisers directly for further details and registration. Indian passport holders can get visa on arrival in Hong Kong making participation easier.
With Hong Kong being a duty free destination with suitable arrangements for easier customs procedure in the mainland and also due to increasing local demand and the Pacific Asia region, the Fair is increasingly gaining importance. |