PARTICIPATION IN THE VINEXPO HONG KONG FAIR 2018
The Consorzio Italia di Vini & Sapori took part with a collective group of Veneto wineries in the eighth edition of Vinexpo Hong Kong, the most important international trade fair dedicated to the wine sector, held at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre from 29 to 31 May 2018.
Vinexpo Hong Kong, which every year attracts visitors and exhibitors from all over the world (Far East, Southeast Asia, Oceania and South Africa), represents an excellent opportunity for Italian producers to connect with industry professionals and, for companies already present in the market, an additional chance to meet importers and strengthen their presence in Asian markets.
Once again this year, Vinexpo Hong Kong confirmed itself as the most important wine fair in Asia, recognised for the quality of its exhibitors and for being a strictly trade-only event. The 20th edition exceeded all expectations, with a strong international presence and an even higher participation of Chinese visitors, up by 10% compared to 2016, reflecting the significant growth in wine consumption in China.
Vinexpo Hong Kong in numbers
- 8th edition
- 20th anniversary
- 1,465 exhibitors (253 Italian companies)
- 30 producing countries
- 17,200 visitors
- 3 days
- 60,000 sqm exhibition area
Wine imports in Hong Kong and China
For over a decade, Hong Kong has seen steadily growing imports of Italian wine, with positive trends that increased exports from €24 million in 2013 to €39 million in 2017 (+38.2% in value). Among red wines, Italy ranks as the fifth largest exporter, while for both white and sparkling wines it holds second place.
Italy, together with Australia, is recording the strongest growth trend in China. In the first quarter of 2018, imports increased by +41.4% — compared to a national average of +18.1% — consolidating the overtaking of Spain in fourth place. This represents a tangible sign of the recovery of Italian wine in a market historically considered difficult.
According to Nomisma Wine Monitor, Italy closed the first quarter with sales of over €45 million and a market share rising to 7%, driven by the strong performance of still bottled wines (+41%), which account for 87% of imported products. If Italy maintains this trend, by the end of 2018 it could exceed €200 million in sales in the Chinese market for the first time. A remarkable performance considering that just two years earlier the value stood at €120 million.