VINEXPO ASIA-PACIFIC 2010 SOARS TO A NEW LEVEL 

Record-breaking VINEXPO Reflects Asia’s Growing Stature as a World Wine and Spirits Hub

(Hong Kong, May 27, 2010) – VINEXPO Asia-Pacific, the region’s largest international wine and spirits exhibition, closed today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition entre (HKCEC) following three record-breaking days in Cterms of exhibitors, visitors, and business opportunities.

The three-day event which was in Hong Kong for the ourth time, was the largest to date occupying over f 8,500 square metres of the HKCEC and welcomed more than 880 exhibitors from 32 countries around the world, including China, Australia, US, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Germany, South Korea, New Zealand, Romania, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Chile and Greece. A number of countries were making their first appearance at VINEXPO Asia-Pacific.

By the close of business today, it is anticipated that the expo will have attracted more than 12,000 visitors. This figure represents an increase of about 40% on VINEXPO Asia-Pacific 2008. The strictly trade show attracted wine and spirits importers, wholesalers and retailers, duty free and airline buyers, and food and beverage professionals. 58% of visitors were from 25 Asian countries, led by China and followed by Taiwan, Japan, Koreaand Singapore.  42% of visitors were from Hong Kong and Macau.

Commenting on these record-breaking figures Mr. Robert Beynat, Chief Executive, VINEXPO Asia-Pacific said, “As our survey showed, Asia is now the most dynamic and happening market in the wine and spirits world. The total volume of wine consumption is increasing four times faster than the world average and is expected to continue in the next five years. Furthermore, Asia-Pacific accounts for 50.6% of total world spirits consumption. “Our decision to return to Hong Kong was right; this has been a resounding success for everyone, from the impressive range and reputation of the exhibitors who represent all of the world’s major wine and spirits producing countries, to the calibre of the visitors. Our exhibitors have evidently made VINEXPO Asia-Pacific a priority as we can see from the scale and quality of their stands and showcases, and we are confident that business opportunities gained from this show will reflect their investment.”

Speaking on behalf of California’s Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Larry Stone, General Manager said “More and more people are interested in food pairing and wine consumption is becoming part of the every day life in Asia.” Meanwhile, Mr. Helmut Seibert, Managing Director of Langguth Wine and Spirits said, “The attendance for VINEXPO Asia-Pacific is very international when compared to other exhibitions” Attending for the first time, Mr. Krzysztof Dudak, Foreign Trade Director of Polish exhibitor Janton described the buyers and attendees as extremely specialised and very knowledgeable about the wine and spirits industry. Commenting on his company’s participation, Mr. Don St. Pierre Jr, CEO of ASC Fine Wines – Greater China said, “For ASC the show has proven to be an effective and efficient place to meet our suppliers from around the world and our customers in Hong Kong, Macau and China.” And from French exhibitor Bernard Magrez Grands Vignobles Proprietaire, Philippe Magrez, General Manager said, “VINEXPO Asia Pacific is the perfect entry point to the Asia-Pacific market as the exhibitors are the cream of the crop.” As always a major attraction of the show was the VINEXPO Academy which offered an outstanding programme of 42 tastings, seminars, master classes and presentations hosted by leading figures from the world of wine and spirits and attended by visitors and media guests. Jeannie Cho Lee, MW who conducted a series of master classes on matching Asian flavours with wine commented “I was amazed by the amount of enthusiasm shown by participants, many of whom we had to turn away due to the overwhelming response.”

“The VINEXPO Academy was created in response to requests from the industry, as a platform to further develop knowledge and understanding,” said Mrs. Dominique Hériard Dubreuil, Chairman, VINEXPO Asia-Pacific. “This is an unparalleled opportunity for visitors to come face to face with some of the world’s leading specialists to broaden their knowledge and build their confidence.” In her closing remarks, Mrs. Hériard Dubreuil added, “The exhibitors were extremely impressed with the quality of the professional contacts they have made here, 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”

The next VINEXPO exhibition will take place inBordeaux, France from Sunday 19th to Thursday 23rd June 2011.

VINEXPO is staged every two years in Bordeaux -- and overseas in alternate years.

For further information or images, please visit www.vinexpo.com.