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| Wednesday, 15 October 2014, 17:30 HKT/SGT | |
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Source: HKTDC | |
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| New Blend of Tastes and Activities on Offer |
HONG KONG, Oct 15, 2014 - (ACN Newswire) - More than 1,000 exhibitors from 34 countries and regions will take part in the seventh HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair from 6-8 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The fair will showcase a wide variety of wine, spirits and other alcoholic beverages, along with wine accessories and equipment. The event, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), also places a strong focus on wine-related services, investment, logistics and training.
More than 70 buying missions with over 2,000 companies from around the world are expected to attend the fair, which adopts the overarching theme of "Leisure in Chateau", embracing the atmosphere of a relaxing yet luxurious environment.
Vintage Year
Hong Kong's wine sector continues to perform strongly, following the government's decision to eliminate wine duties in 2008. Mr Benjamin Chau, Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC, said: "In the first eight months of 2014, the value of Hong Kong's wine exports amounted to US$190 million, representing nearly 40 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2013. Imports of wine grew to US$713 million in the January-to-August period, a year-on-year increase of 3.9 per cent."
New To Show
This year, the International Wine & Spirits Fair will feature new exhibitors from Belarus and Macedonia alongside such traditional wine growing countries as France, Germany, Italy and Australia. Among close to 30 pavilions at the fair, three will be participating for the first time: Australia In Vines Association from the Yarra Valley in Australia, Sichuan Provincial Economic and Information Commission from the Chinese mainland, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy of the Republic of Macedonia.
Special wine and spirits on display at the fair will include 21 wines from boutique wineries across Italy hand-picked by Anna Fendi, the legendary Italian fashion designer. There will also be champagne from the 700-year-old Comtes de Dampierre dynasty and beers and spirits from such countries as Germany, Sweden and Spain.
Fire And Ice
Spirits will enjoy an elevated presence at this year's fair with a new Whisky and Spirits Zone, which includes a Whisky and Brandy Bar and an Ice Bar. These areas will be focal points for tastings and information-sharing sessions. More than 90 exhibitors will showcase spirits at the fair, including a number of Scottish whisky brands. Among the products available for tasting at the Ice Bar will be rum from the Dominican Republic and gin from Spain. These and other products will also feature in a Cocktail Demonstration at the Ice Bar.
Master Classes
Renowned wine experts from different countries will speak at various forums and seminars during the three-day fair. With over 70 activities organised, the highlight events include the "Management Power-up Workshop for F&B Operators - How to Well-utilise Sommelier/Wine Steward Position" featuring Mr Nelson Chow, Chairman of the Hong Kong Sommelier Association, Greater China, and representatives from various Asia-Pacific sommelier associations. Elsewhere, Dr Justin Cohen of the University of South Australia will be the keynote speaker for "The 'State of Play' of the China Wine Market" seminar. And Hong Kong-based Master of Wine, Debra Meiburg will be hosting a master class on "Sauce and Sauce: Matching Chinese Sauces with Wines". Ms Meiburg is also the Director of the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition which is in its sixth edition this year. The Competitions Award Presentation Ceremony will take place in the evening of the opening day of the fair, while the winning products will be showcased at the Wine Gallery during the fair period.
A series of fine wine tasting sessions will also be hosted featuring wine from such countries as Australia, Germany and France as well as a Spanish Fine Wine Tasting by Wines from Spain and Spanish Trade Commission (Hong Kong).
Public Day
The Wine Fair will be open to the public*, aged 18 or above, on 8 November, which is the last day of the fair. Tickets cost $200 and public ticket holders can get a complimentary Lucaris wine glass (valued at $110).
Public ticket holders can enjoy various seminars to enhance their wine knowledge, including "Things that Wine Enthusiasts Should Know" by Mr Stephen Mack, AIWS, FWS, CEO, Asia Wine Service and Education Centre. The public can also participate in a beer making workshop, crafting beers that suit their personal palate. Whisky, brandy and cocktail demonstrations will also be organised on the Public Day.
November Flavours
November has emerged as a month-long celebration of great food and wine in Hong Kong. In addition to the Wine Fair, the HKTDC has joined hands with the Hong Kong Tourism Board to stage "Hong Kong Wine Journey", from 30 October to 30 November. It will include various events and workshops such as wine tastings, food and wine pairing classes, cooking classes, and wine cellar guided tours. The "Free Corkage Programme" and "Food and Wine Pairing Menu" will also be launched at over 160 restaurants in Hong Kong during the period.
* The admission fee for Public Day at the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits fair is $200. Tickets can be purchased at the fairground. This year, HKTDC is partnering with Bee Crazy, Group Buyer and GOBUYA. By visiting any of the partner company websites, fair visitors can purchase tickets at a special rate of $99 from 15 October to 1 November. Admission fees for various "Fine Wine Tasting Sessions" and "Master Classes" scheduled for the Public Day will be $500 and $350 respectively. Interested persons are advised to reserve their place in advance through the fair website. The public can also purchase half-price tickets for the "Fine Wine Tasting Session" from 15 October to 31 October via the FunShare website.
Contact:
HKTDC
Corporate Communication Department
Joe Kainz
Tel: +852 2584 4216
Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org
Topic: Trade Show or Conference
Source: HKTDC
Sectors: Trade Shows, Daily Finance, Daily News
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From the Asia Corporate News Network
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