By Amy Looker, editor National Liquor News
Australian wines are out in force at the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair (HKIWSF), with 19 wineries from around the country coming together as part of the Wine Australia contingent.
Currently taking place at the Hong Kong Convention Centre, the Wine Australia pavilion will showcase wines to an anticipated 20,000 trade visitors from over 80 countries, along with running a series of nine masterclasses on ‘Classic and Emerging Landmark Australian Wines’, ‘Australian Shiraz’ and ‘Regional Heroes’.
Wine Australia’s regional director for Australia, Asia and Emerging Markets, Aaron Brasher, said a solid Australian presence at the show would strengthen the awareness generated for local wines at the recent Savour Australia 2013 global wine forum held in Adelaide.
“The Hong Kong Wine and Spirits Fair is one of the world’s premier trade and consumer fairs that shapes opinions throughout Asia, so it’s important for Australia to have a strong presence,” said Brasher.
“The fair is a place where business is done and relationships are forged, so we will be working with participating Australian wineries to ensure they make the most of the opportunity through themed masterclasses and a VIP tasting.
“We had some very positive interest in and feedback on Australian wine from the Asian wine trade at our recent Savour Australia 2013 forum, so we’ll be building on that momentum at the Hong Kong Wine and Spirits Fair.”
Brasher said that Asian markets are providing growth potential for Australian wine producers, particularly for bottled wine exports at the top end of the market.
“China and Hong Kong are leading the growth in Australian bottled wine exports above AUD $10 per litre and now account for 42 per cent of these high value exports. China is the biggest destination for exports in the above AUD $10 per litre segment, followed by Hong Kong,” he said.
“Since 2008, Australia has been the second largest imported wine supplier to Hong Kong by volume, and the third largest by value. These trends, along with Hong Kong’s position as a springboard to greater China and favourable trading conditions, present great opportunities for Australian wine producers.”
Wine Australia is representing 19 wineries from Tasmania, Barossa, Eden Valley, McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, Mornington Peninsula, Heathcote, Rutherglen, Murray Darling, Goulburn Valley, Mudgee and the Margaret River.
An additional 13 wineries are also participating at the fair in an independent capacity.
The Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair will wrap up on Saturday evening after it opens to the public, which is anticipated to draw over 20,000 consumers.