Wining in Hong Kong

THE Hong Kong debut of ProWine Asia, international trade fair for wines and spirits, was highlighted by diversity and quality in attendees and participants. According to organizers, 310 wines and spirits producers and suppliers from 21 countries showcased their products at the event. They attracted 12,184 trade visitors from 67 countries and regions.

As the newest of ProWein Düsseldorf’s family of international trade fairs, it is now held in Hong Kong and Singapore in biennial fashion. Strong regional and international participation were present in Hong Kong from both exhibitors and high-quality trade visitors, bringing a wealth of wines, spirits and solutions from around the world to the premier trading-hub of the Asia-Pacific region.

Among the individual exhibitors were national and regional group pavilions including France, Portugal, Italy & Chianti, Spain, Germany, Greece, Austria, South Africa, Cyprus and United States. The trade show was strongly supported by local and regional importers and distributors who welcomed a world of wines in Hong Kong.

About 35% of the total trade visitors came from outside Hong Kong – predominantly from Southern China, Macau, Taiwan and Philippines.

ProWine Asia 2017 was held as the specialized wines and spirits section as part of HOFEX 2017, Asia’s leading food & hospitality trade-show. The exhibition is jointly organized by Messe Düsseldorf China, a member of Messe Düsseldorf Group, organisers of the industry-leading ProWein Düsseldorf and UBM HKES LTD, organiser of HOFEX.

 When asked about ProWein World’s Asia expansion, Marius Berlemann, Global Head Wines & Spirits – ProWein, expressed: “Many exhibitors from our international trade networks have placed expansion in Asia-Pacific as priority. ProWine Asia’s development across both major trading centres of Hong Kong and Singapore offer pivotal connections to generate new business for our exhibitors. We are very pleased with initial feedback from participants at the Hong Kong debut this year.”

Daniel Cheung, General Manager, UBM HKES – organizer of HOFEX commented: “HOFEX 2017 received widespread and significant support from both international exhibitors and hospitality industry leaders from around Asia.  ProWine Asia made a successful and seamless debut in Hong Kong at HOFEX and has contributed to draw noticeable increases in buyers from Macao, Taiwan, Philippines and Korea. This has again marked a major milestone for the industry and has further enhanced HOFEX as one of the most prestigious international Food & Hospitality events in the Asia-Pacific region.”

Many exhibitors were pleased with the outcome during the second and third days of fair. Zantho Austrian Fine Wines found momentous business opportunities, receiving large orders on-site by Chinese importers. 

Les Grand Chais De France spoke about the results just after two days, commending the organization of ProWine Asia’s separate exhibition area and enthusiastically stated that they did not expect to find so many opportunities during ProWine Asia first edition in Hong Kong.

 BC Wine and Food, suppliers of Germany wine and spirits commended ProWine Asia trade visitors for their professionalism and interest in new products. Likewise, trade visitors showed great enthusiasm when asked about trade-show organization, program content and an inspiring selection for product sourcing in addition to the enthralling atmosphere offered by the show’s first edition in Hong Kong.

The industry’s top opinion-leaders and experts from international and regional markets offered a wealth of insight and knowledge at ProWine Asia.  Highlights of the show program include seminars and guided tastings by Jancis Robinson OBE, MW sharing her expertise on topics of “How do I judge wine quality” and choice selections of wines under the category of “Under-appreciated grape varieties.”

Debra Meiburg, MW hosted a series of Asia Wine Summit seminars covering E-commerce, Marketing by Gender, and improving sales through wine-education along with other trade developments and industry trends throughout the Asia-Pacific.

Other event highlights included wine, spirits, whisky and sake master-classes by Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), Jennie Mack & Asia Wine and Service Education Centre (AWSEC), Highland Park & Edrington, and exclusive tastings at the ProWine Asia Champagne Lounge. Additionally, international seminars of wine were offered by Austria, Israeli, Italy, Portugal and Spain. 

The next ProWine China will be held on 14-16 November 2017 at Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) while the biennial ProWine Asia goes to Singapore on 24-27 April 2018.