A Successful End to VINEXPO

PHOTO : (C.C) : Many young people have learnt the art of tasting.

With a healthy 40% increase in attendance levels, the wine fair confirms that the Asian market is in good shape.

At this time for taking stock, dissatisfied exhibitors are hard to find. After three days of intense activity, the bi-annual fair Vinexpo Asia-Pacific, which was held in Hong Kong for the fourth time, has pepped up morale among the wine producers and merchants from all over the world who came here to find growth engines for the market.

At a time when the European wine markets are sluggish, Asia is the place where “it’s all happening”, for the wine trade as well as for the rest of global business. The Chinese market sets the tone. “They learn fast and have become more seasoned professionals than in previous editions of this fair,” adds a French exhibitor, one of many from the country represented by half the stands at the venue.

As for the figures - which are approximate for the moment - some 12,000 professional visitors were registered, which is an increase of 40% compared to the 2008 edition! The aisles were still packed a few hours before closing time. 42% of the visitors were from Hong Kong and Macau, with a further 25% from other Asian countries, headed by mainland China. This data confirms the importance of dynamic territory of Hong Kong as a hub for continental imports ; but also shows the fair’s far-reaching scope of action.

Training left right and centre

Apart from trading, educative seminars and events of all sorts were also successful during the fair. for example the Saint-Emilion seminar held on Thursday morning, which was a sell-out for the third time in three days. A variety of wines were tasted by some 60 attentive participants - often aged under 30 - and explanations were given about the subtleties of aromas and tastes. This was followed by a question and answer session with Jean-François Quentin, who is president of the Saint-Emilion wine growers syndicate. “How important is the quality of the grapes and the oenologist’s work in a wine?” : “Is it a good thing that wealthy investors and companies are purchasing wine properties?” where among the questions asked. At the same time, in the next room, 70 producers from the Cercle Rive Droite association (from the Libourne/Saint-Emilion area), were holding a tasting.

“Chinese people like eating and having fun. They drink alcohol and tea, which is not only tannic but is available in a variety of different tastes and qualities and from diverse geographical origins, like wine. The possibilities are endless!” says merchant Fréderic Vicaire (Alternative Vintage).

The tourist industry represented

An important delegation from the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce was also present all week in Asia during Vinexpo, seizing the opportunity to boost the region’s economy by attracting investors and tourists. Meetings with tour operators were organized with this view in mind. “We are bringing business to companies in our region, but I regret that our local political leaders (the city council, urban community council and regional council of Aquitaine) are not supporting our initiative. Especially as in Asia, political leaders are involved in developing business and tourism, this absence will not go unnoticed by our contacts here.” comments Laurent Courbu, president of the Bordeaux Chamber of Commerce.

Author:Cesar.Compadre

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