NEWS
SUCCESS OF VINEXPO HK 2024 SHOWS VITALITY OF ASIA & CHINA WINE MARKETS
By Siulan Law Mathews DipWSET
3-6-2024
Source: Vinexpo Asia
The successful conclusion of Vinexpo Asia in Hong Kong last week has proved that the Asia and China markets are still a big draw to international wine producers despite the economic and geopolitical challenges.
The three-day trade show, held from 28 to 30 May, was attended by over 10,000 trade visitors from 60 countries, showcasing 1,032 wine and spirits producers from 35 exhibitor countries.
The grand reopening ceremony was attended by Vinexposium group CEO Rodolphe Lameyse
with guests of honour including France’s Ambassador to China Bertrand Lortholary and Hong
Kong Acting Secretary for Commerce Bernard Chan.
“It is with great pleasure and pride that I welcome you to Vinexpo Asia Hong Kong 2024.
Since 1998, Vinexpo Asia has established itself as the key event for our industry in Asia, and
we are particularly pleased to be returning after an absence of six years,” said Lameyse at the
opening ceremony.
Highlighting some of the challenges currently faced by the global wine and spirits industry,
Lameyse added: “Our return to Hong Kong brings a wave of optimism and hope. Indeed, Asia
and specifically China proves to be a key market for our industry, and we intend to play a
crucial role in this commercial momentum.”
Meanwhile, Dane Cheng, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, said: “It is the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s pleasure to have successfully lined up the event with Vinexposium to bring the event back to Hong Kong."
"The staging of significant events such as Vinexpo Asia in Hong Kong is a testament to the
city’s strong fundamentals as a premier destination for business and trade fairs. Hong Kong
continues to play a pivotal role as a catalyst for the economic growth and vitality of the Asian
wine and spirits market.”
Many of the participating exhibitors had the huge China market in mind when they travelled to Hong Kong for this year’s Vinexpo Asia.
Take for example Wine Australia CEO Martin Cole, he told Australian media that his assessment of this year’s show is that it has been extremely positive for Australian exhibitors, introducing their wines to new markets, as well as re-engaging with China.
“It’s been really good to see the level of interest in Australia. It’s been very busy, with really good feedback from the brand owners in terms of really good discussions and reconnecting with existing and previous relationships,” Cole said.
He said there is plenty of excitement at Vinexpo from Chinese buyers looking for Australian wines, but Cole notes that the demands and tastes from the Chinese consumer have changed in the last few years.
“In terms of the positioning within China, I’ve gotten a lot of questions about pricing. We had the top spot in terms of premium wines, we had a 30 percent share of premium wine in China, at 19 USD per bottle and right above that. But I think we’re seeing changes to the consumer demand for different products. What we’re hearing from a lot of importers is that there’s a lot of youngsters coming through trying wine, and some of what they’re looking for is perhaps lighter offerings or other styles. And we’re seeing that in every other market globally.”
Cole added that while rebuilding trade in China is a key focus for Wine Australia, engages with new markets is still a priority.
“We’re still going to maintain a diversification strategy,” stated Cole.
(the writer can be contacted at: info@thewinechronicle.com)
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