The Place To Be From 4 to 6 November 2009, there is only one place for wine industry insiders to be - Hong Kong. The second edition of HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair highlights Hong Kong’s position as the premier wine hub of Asia. Following the removal of wine duty in 2008, Hong Kong became the only major economy in the world to impose no duty and no sales tax on wine. With no domestic wine production, and thus a completely impartial position, Hong Kong is ideally placed to host a major international wine event. Rapidly Growing Markets Hong Kong is at the heart of Asia’s growing wine and spirits markets. In 2008 Hong Kong itself has the highest consumption of wine per capita in Asia - 3.3 litres - and it gives direct access to the expanding markets of the Chinese mainland and the rest of Asia. Growth projections show Asian wine consumption, excluding Japan, will double by 2017, reaching US$2.7 billion. The Chinese mainland market alone is projected to reach US$870 million within the next decade. The Chinese mainland and Hong Kong make up more than 60% of the Asian wine market and together are set to become the world’s eighth largest market for wine. Some of the world’s major wine investors, too, are based in the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong. Of premium wines stored in London, 100 million cases belong to these investors. Major Success of Inaugural Edition The very first edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair drew international kudos. Altogether 8,758 trade buyers from 55 countries & regions and over 10,000 public visitors were able to meet with 240 exhibitors from 25 countries & regions. An onsite survey revealed that around 90% of interviewed buyers sourced new products, found new suppliers and took in the latest market trends. Comprehensive Coverage At the 2009 fair, buyers will be able to source a wide range of liquor & beverage products. As well as many different kinds of wine, exhibitors will offer a variety of beer and spirits. Wine production & logistics products and services, wine accessories & equipment and other related services are also well covered. New in 2009 is Friends of Wine, offering premium food products such as cheese, ham, olives, etc. Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition HKTDC has announced that, in association with London’s globally renowned International Wine and Spirit Competition, the 2009 fair will inaugurate the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition. It will have its own distinctive Asian character, featuring the pairing of wines with Chinese cuisine and, in a world first, the ‘Best Wine from China’ trophy. A distinguished judging panel of Asian-based experts has been assembled. Events of Value The fair offers buyers a programme of wine-related events including wine-tasting sessions in which they can meet the exhibiting wine companies, and wine master classes in which they can taste, compare and assess quality. The added value does not end there. Visitors can join in the busy programme of seminar and conference events which can add to their knowledge of wine and wine markets. A highlight in 2008 returns in 2009. The Wine Gallery is a focal point of the fairground in which visitors can learn more about wine in a convivial setting. Relationship 'par excellence' Think of wine - and France most readily comes to mind. It is simply the most famous and largest wine producer in the Old World, with a long and proud history in the trade. We are therefore delighted to announce that France has been named "partner country" for the HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair 2009. France is Hong Kong's biggest source of wine, accounting for 34% of imports. In recognition of this, France and Hong Kong signed a Memorandum of Understanding in August 2008 in order to facilitate and promote trade in wine - the first agreement of its kind related to wine. Helping hand gets you to Hong Kong! Avail yourself of our US$10m Buyers’ Incentive Programme and take the opportunity to attend the HKTDC fairs. Subsidised packages smooth your path to Hong Kong, where you can connect with quality exhibitors from around the world. For further information, please contact HKTDC office nearest to you. FREE admission badge Pre-register before 13 October 2009 for buyers from outside Hong Kong and 29 October 2009 for local buyers – to receive a FREE admission badge by mail. hktdc.com free sourcing service Now you can locate the right products you need by getting a list of relevant exhibitors with booth numbers and product photos at the fair. Look for this friendly sign at the fairground.

Rebecca Tse
Manager, Marketing Communications
Exhibitions Department