Savvy
winemakers from around the world have launched Hong Kong-based
trading and distribution initiatives in response to Asia’s soaring
demand for fine wines. With the Government’s dramatic reduction of
the wine duty from 40% to zero this year, more Canadian vintners
are set to enter this dynamic market.
 Wine sales in Mainland China have shot up by more than 65% since
2001, and a further growth of 40% is expected by 2011. In its role
as a re-exporter and retailer, it is anticipated that Hong Kong
could capture up to 24% of the region’s import market.
International wine fairs, professional training courses,
accreditation by recognized bodies and investment promotion are
all part of the Government’s well-rounded approach to building the
wine industry into a significant Hong Kong business sector.
A Canadian SME winery, Norman Hardie Winery of Prince Edward
County, won the White Wine Group “Championship” of “The Most
Appealing Wine Label for Mainland Market” Competition at the Hong
Kong International Wine Fair in August.
More than 240 exhibitors from over 25 countries participated in
the inaugural Hong Kong International Wine Fair, where the winery
near Wellington, Ontario joined other wineries from Ontario and
B.C. successfully promoted their products to international and
Mainland China buyers.
Hong Kong is regarded as an important wine-trading centre for
those looking to Asia and, in particular, the Chinese mainland
market, according to more than 80 per cent of buyers interviewed
during the trade show. |
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