Vinexpo Asia-Pacific, the region’s largest international wine and spirits exhibition, ended today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) after three successful days during which it broke all previous records in terms of visitors and exhibitors.
The fifth Vinexpo Asia-Pacific was officially opened on Tuesday 27th May by Mr Henry Tang Ying-yen, GBS, JP, Chief Secretary for Administration, HKSARG together with Ms Anne Marie Idrac, French Secretary for Foreign Trade in a high-profile ceremony accompanied by Mr Frederick Ma Si-hang, JP, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, HKSARG and Chairman of Vinexpo Asia-Pacific, Mrs Dominique Hériard Dubreuil.
During the ceremony, Mr Tang welcomed the return of Vinexpo Asia-Pacific to Hong Kong and highlighted its growing importance as a strategic regional wine hub to service the world’s fastest growing wines and spirits markets.
The three-day expo had attracted 7,879 trade visitors by the end of the second day May 28th, while it is forecast that over 8,500 are expected by close of business today. This represents an increase of almost 24% on Vinexpo Asia Pacific 2006. Trade visitors included wine and spirit importers, wholesalers and retailers, duty free and airline buyers, and food and beverage professionals.
An estimated 59% of visitors were from 28 Asian countries led by China and followed by Korea, Taiwan, Japan and Singapore with a small percentage from important overseas markets such as USA and UK. 41% of visitors were from Hong Kong and Macau.
Commenting on these record-breaking figures Mr Robert Beynat, Chief Executive said, “Vinexpo Asia-Pacific 2008 has been a resounding success for all those involved, from the quality of the trade visitors at this years show, to the range and reputation of the exhibitors who represent all of the world’s major wine and spirits producing countries.”
The exhibition was covered by more than 340 television, radio, newspaper and magazine journalists from all over Asia as well as senior wine & spirits correspondents from Europe and the United States.
The 2008 exhibition occupying the entire main hall of the HKCEC welcomed 692 exhibitors from 32 countries across the world including China, Australia, US, South America, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Germany, Korea, New Zealand, Netherlands, Romania, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Macedonia and Moldova.
The extensive programme of over 30 “Vinexpo University” tastings, conferences, seminars and presentations staged in conjunction with the event was again well-attended, by both visitors and media, reflecting a growing thirst for knowledge and education about wines and spirits. New to Vinexpo Asia-Pacific 2008 was the Vinexpo University Degree program comprising seven educational events featuring well-known industry personalities.
In her closing remarks, Mrs Dominique Hériard Dubreuil, Chairman, Vinexpo Asia-Pacific 2008 said, “The general consensus amongst our exhibitors this year showed that they were extremely impressed with the quality of the professional contacts they have made, as well as the noticeable improvement in their knowledge and appreciation of wine and spirits. We firmly believe that this will help stimulate growth of the industry in the region and ultimately benefit the consumer”
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