Don’t miss the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, which will be held during November 4-6, 2009 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

The HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair 2009 Website is: http://hkwinefair.hktdc.com/fair_dtl/detail.htm

To register for this event visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/hongkong/en/wineandspiritsfair2009.html

 
Why Hong Kong?
As you may be aware, Hong Kong abolished its excise tax on wine since February 2008 as the most important step the Hong Kong government has taken to develop Hong Kong into a regional wine hub.  Since then, imports of wine into Hong Kong have grown significantly. Hong Kong imports of U.S. wine already reached a record high at US$18.6 million in value and 5.7 million liters in volume in 2008, representing a growth of 108% for value and 58% for volume over 2007.  For the first 5 months of 2009, Hong Kong imports of U.S. wine continued to grow, reaching US$11.3 million and 2.5 million liters, representing a growth of 145% for value and 67% for volume. 
 
Hong Kong represents a FAST GROWING MARKET in itself.  In addition, given its excellent geographical location, top class infrastructure, sound financial and legal system and zero-tax policy on wine, Hong Kong is ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT GATEWAYS of wine trade in the region. Click Here to download the latest Hong Kong wine report for your reference.
 
In addition, because of the global economic downturn, US wine exports to major markets have shown slowed growth or decline but US direct wine exports to Hong Kong have shown an increase of 169% (for the first 5 months of 2009)!
 
Why Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair (HKIWSF)?
HKIWSF was organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) with the strong support from the Hong Kong Government.  It was first held in August 2008 with the hope of creating a platform for wine exhibitors to develop business in the wake of the abolishment of the wine tax in Hong Kong.  HKIWSF was well received and has become Hong Kong’s largest trade show for wine & spirits.  HKTDC invited numerous buyers from Hong Kong, Macau, China and the region to attend the show and created many business opportunities.  In view of the success of the first show, HKIWSF is now an officially endorsed show of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and US Department of Commerce.  HKWISF will be an excellent platform for US wine exporters to gain market share in the growing Hong Kong market and also gain access into the Asia wine market.
 
HKTDC has developed an extremely attractive package for US exhibitors at the USA Pavilion.  Click Here to download the recruitment flyer. Contact Miss Shirley Wong, email: shirley.kl.wong@N0SPAM.hktdc.org  for any queries regarding the pricing for the HKIWSF.
 
Value Added Activities Organized by the US Agricultural Trade Office
For your additional information, our office (ATO) will organize a good number of events/activities to add value to US exhibitors at HKIWSF, which is a show endorsed by the USDA.  Specifically, we are planning to invite wine importers and sommeliers to speak to US exhibitors at the Market Briefing so that US exhibitors can acquire first hand and updated information on the Hong Kong wine market.  In addition, we will organize Market Tour for US exhibitor to understand the types and price range of wines available in a variety of outlets.  As Hong Kong is an important gateway for other wine markets in the region, we are also planning to visit Hong Kong’s port facilities to enhance US Exhibitors’ understanding of the operation of one of the busiest ports in the world.  Moreover, we will invite buyers, importers, distributors, retailers, restaurant operators and other key decision makers for wine purchases in the food retail and food service sectors to attend a Reception to create networking and business opportunities with US Exhibitors.  The afore-mentioned services/activities will be provided to US exhibitors FREE-OF-CHARGE.
 
Value Adding Option for US Exhibitors at the HK Int’l Wine & Spirits Fair
IN ADDITION, for US exhibitors at the HK Int’l Wine & Spirits Fair, you can pay only US$385 extra and join the “Hong Kong Wine & Dine Fair” which is an excellent B2C (Business to Consumers) platform for your wines to gain exposures among consumers.  Details of this event can be found at: http://www.discoverhongkong.com/hkfoodandwineyear/festival/eng/ and Click Here to find the information on this Two-in-One package option for your additional information.

Visit the HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair 2009 Website at: http://hkwinefair.hktdc.com/fair_dtl/detail.htm

To register for this event visit: http://www.buyusa.gov/hongkong/en/wineandspiritsfair2009.html

If you have any specific questions about the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Fair please contact:

Olevia Yim
US Commercial Service Hong Kong
Phone (852) 2521-6166
Fax (852) 2810-0970
E-mail olevia.yim@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov
http://www.buyusa.gov/hongkong
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For any further questions or concerns regarding the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Fair, please feel free to contact Sacramento U.S. Export Assistance Center Director George Tastard, who's contact information is listed below.

George Tastard, Director
Sacramento US Export Assistance Center
US Commercial Service
US Department of Commerce
1410 Ethan Way
Sacramento CA  95825
Tel: 916-566-7170
Fax: 916-566-7123
E-Mail: George.Tastard@.mail.doc.gov
https://www.buyusa.gov/sacramento