“Italian Pavilion at Vinexpo Asia Pacific 2010” – Indulged in the wines of Italy
The Italian Trade Commission organizes the Italian Pavilion at the VINEXPO, as it did in 1998, 2006 and 2008 in Hong Kong with enormous success. From 25 – 27 May at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, there are over 60 premium Italian wine manufacturers and exporters presenting their best wine collection from Italy.
Italy’s wine heritage can be dated back to 4000 years ago and Italy is now one of the most varied wine producers and exporters in the world. With the extensive range across different geographical locations from North to South and a variety of climate and soil conditions in Italy, the wines from Italy all carry distinctive characters, which make them the perfect meal accompaniment as they can bring the extra flavor to all kind of delicacy. There are in total 486 government-qualified types of wines, which include 48 types of the top grade DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), 320 types of DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) and 118 types of IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica).
According to Mr. Romano Baruzzi, the Italian Trade Commissioner, “As the Hong Kong Government has decided to exempt the duty on wine, beer and all other alcoholic beverages with the exception of spirits, Hong Kong now has the potential to become the Asian hub for wine trading, promotion and investment. Apart from the tax abolishment, the effort on the improvement on logistic facilitation and customs clearance provided by the Hong Kong SAR Government would certainly bring up the importing volume of Italian wines in Hong Kong in the years after.”
In 2009, Italy has exported USD11.1 million red wine to Hong Kong, showing an increase of 28.3% compared to that of Year 2008. A record of USD1.96 million white wines has also been exported to Hong Kong from Italy in Year 2009. Other than Red and White wine, Italian sparkling wines recorded a dramatic rise of 81.2% in term of value, from USD262, 000 in 2008 to USD475, 000 in 2009.
Being the gateway to the Mainland China, Mr. Baruzzi, says “Italian wineries and, of course, our Exhibitors are keen and strive to extend their specialties in the Hong Kong and China market. For this reason we invited a group of professional buyers from Guangzhou this time. The giant market is ready to admit the new entrants to satisfy the varied tastes. Italian wines are genuine, unique and pleasurable, and definitely suit the market.”
In order to present the uniqueness and the fascinating history of Italian wines, the Italian Trade Commission and the Veneto Region organize 3 seminars at the VINEXPO Academy that are dedicated to wine professionals and traders. The seminars will be focusing on the professional knowledge on wines from Italy and Veneto Region, and will be presented by wine experts from Italy and Hong Kong.
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