The fifth Vinexpo Asia-Pacific to be held in Hong Kong All lights are green in Asian wine and spirits markets. The VINEXPO world market survey forecasts growth in Asia that will account for 53.7% of the total increase in wine consumption worldwide between 2011 and 2015. As a result, all eyes are looking east and with this new enthusiasm new developments abound. Storage facilities, revised customs duties, new wine stores and wine bars, and the inauguration of centres fully dedicated to wine and spirits education and training, all contribute as this market unfolds in ways that are especially effective and visible in Hong Kong. Fully booked Since last December – three months earlier than during the sales campaign of Vinexpo Asia-Pacific 2010 – all stand space has been fully booked. The previous Vinexpo Asia-Pacific broke all records in terms of visitor attendance with 12 617 professionals (up 42% compared to 2008) coming through its doors from 25 countries to browse the products of 882 exhibitors from 35 countries, another increase of 27.4% against 2008. To respond to strong demand for space, Vinexpo Asia-Pacific will be larger in 2012 with an extra 2 000 sq. m, bringing the total floor area to 10 500 sq. m. Wine and spirits producers from all over the world For three days, nearly one thousand exhibitors will present their products to Asian-Pacific trade professionals. In terms of the sheer diversity of products to be tasted, Vinexpo Asia-Pacific 2012 will be the largest showcase of wines and spirits in the whole region. French exhibitors will be present in truly representative numbers and for all the exhibiting countries the big names will find themselves alongside lively new companies, seeking to introduce their wines to Asian purchasers. "Vinexpo Asia-Pacific is a wonderful bridgehead for China. This exhibition helps us penetrate a difficult market, because the largest importers attend,” declared Philippe Magrez, general manager of Vignobles Bernard Magrez from France at the end of the 2010 show. New world wines are back in force: South Africa more than doubles its total stand area to 234 sq. m, Australia increases by 600%, the US by 56%, while Chile will occupy more than 700 sq. m of stand space and a New Zealand pavilion will also be back. “Being present at Vinexpo Asia-Pacific is really crucial for us, because the number of Asian customers who attend the exhibition is quite unique”, said Alfonso Larrain, President of the Chilean group Concha y Toro. The other major producing nations will also be there: Spain, Italy, Lebanon and Greece. Big names everywhere you turn Some of the prestigious names to be found at the exhibition amongst many others: Billecart-Salmon, Paul Jaboulet Ainé, Boisset, Rémy Cointreau, Yvon Mau, Bollinger, Castel Frères, Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Cognac Camus from France, KWV from South Africa, Gancia, Casa Vinicola Zonin and Banfi Distribuzione from Italy, Marques de Riscal and Gonzalez-Byass from Spain, and Concha y Toro and Santa Rita from Chile. The list of exhibitors can be consulted on our website: www.vinexpo.com. Vinexpo Asia-Pacific projects the whole industry into the middle of growth markets while doing everything to promote the event with Asian-Pacific trade professionals to whom the next exhibition is exclusively devoted. “We are launching a substantial promotion campaign and are travelling to meet Asian professionals and media in order to tell them about Vinexpo Asia-Pacific 2012,” explains Vinexpo Chief Executive Robert Beynat. Between now and March 2012, six conferences aimed at professionals and journalists are scheduled in Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei and of course Hong Kong. 28,000 brochures published in English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Japanese will be sent to importers, agents, duty-free managers and restaurateurs in China, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand.