More and more visitors
In the three days it was open at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, the exhibition welcomed significantly more than the 7,500 professionals that were officially expected. In fact, 8,868 visitors, exactly 28.8% more than the 2006 exhibition, attended. They were all Asian wine and spirits trade professionals, coming to meet the exhibitors to find out about new products and observe new trends, and improve their knowledge of the industry.
Out of these 8,868 visitors, 45% came from Hong Kong and Macau, and 55% from 19 other Asia-Pacific countries. Amongst these, mainland China led with 2,254 visitors, double the number it had present at the 2006 exhibition, followed by Korea (657), Taiwan (438), Japan (209), Singapore (203), Australia (175), Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, India and the other countries in the region.
As well as their sheer number, it is also the diversity and level of professional importance of these visitors, which demonstrates the degree of interest in wines and spirits.
All the business sectors were represented: importers, wholesalers, retailers, sommeliers,food & beverage managers, duty free and airline buyers, and a large number of restaurateurs. The exhibitors were impressed by how much visitors’ knowledge and appreciation of the products and markets had increased in two years.
Participants’ comments:
Pierre Tam, Manager, Saveurs International (Asia) LTD
« A successful show with good quality of exhibitors. Vinexpo should consider using a bigger size venue for next edition because growing number of visitors would be expected.»
Grace Yu, Direct Sales Manager, Maxxium Hong Kong
« Very interesting show that offers visitors chance to see new suppliers and try new products.»
Eric Desgouttes, Fine Wine Manager, Watson’s Wine Cellar (Hong Kong)
« A lot of Chinese professionals in the hall, everybody is here it is one of the best way to meet our main suppliers. Concerning especially Hong Kong, this exhibition helps HK to become a real wine hub. A show adapted to Asian market.»
