Hong Kong’s star soars over the world of wine

Hong Kong’s increasingly high profile as a wine hub within the world’s most vibrant economic region will ensure that the global wine industry’s focus will be firmly on the HKTDC Hong Kong Wine & Spirits Fair 2010, which takes place at the downtown location of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 4-6 November, 2010

Since the elimination of duty on wine and beers by the Hong Kong Government in 2008, local wine-related business has experienced robust growth. Total wine imports into Hong Kong increased by 80% in 2008 and by a further 40% in 2009, reaching a value of US$500 million. In addition, the city is now the second largest centre for wine auctions in the world, having overtaken London, and is now behind only New York.

The SAR is well poised to take advantage of the growing demand for wine in the Chinese mainland. In February, Hong Kong and the mainland signed a co-operation agreement covering customs facilitation measures to ease the passage of wine entering the mainland through Hong Kong. This will enhance co-operation on wine-related matters and strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a regional wine-trading hub. Figures for the first five months of 2010 show that 33% of wine exports from Hong Kong were destined for the mainland.

Australia is to be the 2010 fair’s Partner Country, becoming the first New World wine-producing country to enjoy this honour. Australian wine will be spotlighted in a series of events including the Vino Syrah/Shiraz Forum. In addition, Argentina, France, Italy and Spain have also committed to staging group pavilions.

Last year’s show saw the inaugural Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition, which returns this year after a very successful debut. In 2009, some 1,300 wines from around the world were judged by a pan-Asian panel. The competition, which was the world’s first authentically Asian wine competition, is again organised in conjunction with London’s renowned International Wine & Spirit Competition.

The guest international judge for the second edition of HKIWSC will be Tim Atkin MW, the multi-award-winning wine writer. New for this year is an additional wine-and-food-pairing trophy for Best Wine with Sashimi, joining the four existing wine/food awards for Best Wine with Dim Sum, Kung Pao Chicken, Braised Abalone and Peking Duck respectively. A black-tie dinner will be held on the first evening of the fair, which also provides the occasion for the awards presentation ceremony.

The Wine Industry Conference is an integral part of the show. Also taking place during the show is the Asian Top Sommelier Summit, for which Gérard Basset from the UK, World’s Best Sommelier 2010, is one of the guest speakers. The fair also incorporates a series of public forums, wine-tasting sessions and master classes.

The Wine Gallery features a showcase display of Shiraz wines from around the world. Also on view are winning entries from the HKIWSC and entrants in the Most Beloved Wine contest.

The popular voting game, the Most Beloved Wine & Spirits, features two categories – white wine and red wine – and is open for voting by trade buyers and public visitors.

The 2009 edition attracted almost 12,000 trade buyers from 62 countries and regions. Among them was Mr Stéphane Boutiton, Associate, Vinomania, of France. Speaking at the show, he said: “Hong Kong is the place to be for business; the city offers a good platform to grow business in Asia and even worldwide. This fair is very professional and I am pleased to see so many young wine lovers here.” He was at the fair to find partners in Asia to open franchise wine bars & restaurants.

Mr Gianander Dua, Director of Hops Marketing in India, was visiting the fair for the second-year running. “There is an expansion in the variety of wine products on display this time with new exhibitors from countries like India and Korea,” he said. “I’ve found some good Italian products as well as Korean and Hungarian wines. I cannot find a better fair elsewhere in the region.”

Ms Lin Abbott, Founder & Vice President, Australia China Food and Beverage Association Inc., Australia, was at the show with 45 companies including wine importers and restaurant operators from Sydney and Melbourne seeking to explore business opportunities. “The fair is very well organised and offers us a great chance to taste wines from different countries such as Spain, Italy, India, Korea and Japan,” she said, adding that it had been a very rewarding experience.

Hong Kong Again Ranked World’s Freest Economy
Hong Kong remains the world’s freest economy, for the 13th year in a row, according to the findings of the Fraser Institute of Canada’s Economic Freedom of the World: 2009 Annual Report.
The report ranks 141 economies on policies that support economic freedom. Hong Kong has been holding the top place since the annual survey was started, and it pays tribute to the city’s commitment to free trade and open markets, and the elimination of barriers to trade and investment.
The findings take into account the size of government; legal structure and security of property rights; access to sound money; freedom to trade internationally; and regulation of credit, labour and business. With the highest overall score of 8.97 out of 10, the city was also ranked first for freedom of international trade, scored 9.6.
All these factors make Hong Kong very attractive to companies around the world that invest in or trade with the SAR.
The Fraser Institute is an independent economics and public policy think-tank; it first published the report in 1996. The 2009 report ranked Singapore and New Zealand in second and third places, respectively. The institute’s findings are consistent with the 2010 Index of Economic Freedom, published by The Heritage Foundation, a Washington-based think-tank, and The Wall Street Journal, in which Hong Kong has topped for 16 consecutive years.

Shanghai Restaurant Week – Summer Edition set to launch for September 6-12
Online bookings go live on August 17

On the heels of the wildly successful first edition in May, Shanghai Restaurant Week – Summer Edition is set to whet diner’s appetites this September 6-12 with more incredible restaurants, menus and experiences for the Shanghai dining community. Expect to dine at top restaurants such as Laris, M1NT and Shintori. The final participation list will be revealed soon on www.shanghairestaurantweek.com

The concept, already popular around the world in Amsterdam, New York, Singapore and Shanghai, features Shanghai’s top restaurants serving a special 3-course dinner for a fixed price of 238 RMB, and a 3-course lunch for 118 RMB. Chefs go out of their way to create unique and memorable menus exclusively for the Restaurant Week diners – a chance for them to impress both new and old customers.

Organized by DiningCity.com, a worldwide dining guide, the first edition met with outstanding response, with many restaurants fully booked within hours of the online real-time reservations system launch.

Siem Bierman, Managing Director of DiningCity.com for China, explained the meaning of the concept, “We believe it’s a great opportunity for the restaurants to promote their concept, by presenting their experience menu to the dynamic dining society in Shanghai.”

All bookings can be made online only from August 17, via www.shanghairestaurantweek.com, a dedicated website with unique technology for online, real-time reservations.

Dates: 6-12 September 2010
Online booking: www.shanghairestaurantweek.com
Bookings available from August 17, 2010

About the Organizer
DiningCity started in 1998 and is the leading worldwide dining guide. Currently operating in 35   cities around the globe, DiningCity cities include Berlin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, , Dubai, Madrid, Geneva, Rome, Vienna, New York, Singapore and Hong Kong. In cooperation with DiningCity the event Restaurant Week was born.

Visitors of the website can search for a restaurant via the following criteria: price, cuisine, location and extras. Every restaurant has its own unique profile and high quality photos, so visitors can have a good impression of the interior and the atmosphere. Menu information, a virtual tour, and online reservations make it easy for diners to choose a restaurant to fit their mood and taste.

Don’t know where to go?  Via the “Dining Suggestions” section our DiningCity team will help you select the perfect restaurant for your dinner, your event or your meeting. The DiningCity website distinguishes itself by the interactive opportunities and clear information, and no distracting advertisement. Hungry or just curious? Go to: www.diningcity.com/shanghai

Participating Restaurants:

T8, Laris, Downstairs by David Laris, The Purple Onion, M1NT, Moonsha, Hamilton House, Mi Tierra, Mesa, Kathleen’s 5, Rosso Italiano, JC Mandarin – Wine Bar and Grill, Shintori, New Heights, Nougatine, Whampoa Club, Sasha’s, Bistro Latitude, The Chinoise Story, JW’s California Grill and Wan Hao, Vedas, LAN -Butterfly, Peninsula’s Sir Elly’s and Yi Long Court, The Portman Ritz-Carlton’s Palladio, Gran Melia’s Acqua.

Organizer contact:
Ms. Wiwi Cao
Diningcity.com/shanghai
wiwi.cao@diningcity.com

Media contact:
Ms. Loretta Huang
Adsmith China
loretta@adsmithchina.com
(21) 6083 1177 x206

Hong Kong Food Expo

Venue:
Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)
Country:
Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong S.A.R.)
Start Date:
12-AUG-10
End Date:
16-AUG-10
Exhibitors:
610

Industry:
Agriculture
Coverage Area:
25,820 Square Meter

EVENT PROFILE
Hong Kong Food Expo is the leading part of this technology forum. It showcases all kinds of food processing and packaging machines, materials, systems and products under one roof. This is the unique opportunity to meet senior buyers & decision makers from all facets of the user industry.

General Enquiry

HIGHLIGHTS
The Hong Kong International Tea Fair and International Conference & Exhibition of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products shows will be held concurrently with this exhibition.
Sponsorship Enquiry

VISITOR’S PROFILE
Show is for bakers, snacks & sweet manufacturers & person belongs to food industry, Consultants, Convenience Retailers, Departmental Stores Managers, Dieticians, Nutritionists, Food Technologists, Architects, Designers, Engineers, E-Retailers. Restaurant Management, Bakery, Confectionery Manufacturers, Airline, Institutional Catering Management etc. are targeted visitors.
Visitor Registration

EXHIBITOR’S PROFILE
Profile include – Bakery Products, Beverage (alcoholic), Beverage (non-alcoholic), health drink, coffee, Biscuits, Snacks & Confectionery, Canned, Frozen & Preserved Food, Convenient & Instant Food, Dairy Products, Fruit & Vegetables, Health, Green & Organic Food, Meat & Poultry, Rice, Noodle & Pasta, Sauces & Seasonings, Seafood, Sugar & Sweets, Trade Associations & Services, Food Processing Machinery & Equipment are targeted exhibit.

TRADE SHOW TIMINGS,
Show Opening Hours:
10:00am – 10:00pm
10:00am – 06:00pm
Public Timing:
10:00am – 10:00pm
10:00am – 06:00pm

EVENT PROFILE
Food processing industry in Malaysia is largely dominated by small and medium industries, catering, mainly for the domestic market. Small and medium scale food enterprises have played a very important role in the Malaysian economy, particularly in terms of employment generation, better income distribution and as training ground for entrepreneurs before they invest in large enterprises.
HIGHLIGHTS
The Largest Food Packaging & Processing Exhibition in Malaysia.
Sponsorship Enquiry
VISITOR’S PROFILE
Trade Visitors – Professionals related to the field of Packaging Material, Packaging Machine, Food Catering Services, Pharmaceutical Producing, Departmental Stores Managers & General Public are the target audience.
Visitor Registration
EXHIBITOR’S PROFILE
Profile for exhibit include Packaging Material, Packaging Machine, Plastic Container, Paper Box, Bakery Equipment & Material, Packaging Tools, Food Catering Services, Pharmaceutical Producing & Packaging Machine, Packaging Tools etc.
Stall Booking
EVENT REVIEWS & EXPERIENCE
20th MIMF – Food-Pack 2009-[2009]
Venue: Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
 Date: Jul 23, 2009 – Jul 26, 2009 
Industry Focus: Packaging

Taipei International Food Show

June 23 – 26, 2010

FOOD TAIPEI is one of Asia’s most important food shows and had celebrated it’s 19^th birthday in 2009. The show itself has been the most popular platform for industry players to launch their products into the hottest Taiwan and overseas markets.

Last year, FOOD TAIPEI welcomed over 4,000 overseas visitors and over 37,000 local visitors.  In 2010, FOOD TAIPEI will bring you more diverse products, great services and even more business opportunities!

FACT SHEET

◎ SHOW DATES:

June 23 – 26, 2010

◎ ORGANIZER：

Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)

◎ VENUE：

NANGANG Exhibition Hall

FOODTECH, CATERING & PHARMATECH TAIPEI 2010 and TAIPEI PACK 2010 will be held concurrently with FOOD TAIPEI 2010 at NANGANG Exhibition Hall.

◎ SHOW HOURS：

Date: June 23 – 26
Show Hours: 9:00a.m-5:00p.m.
Access for :
(1) overseas visitors
(2) local professionals who have been approved after pre-registration
(3) local professionals holding admission passes
June 25-26
9:00a.m-5:00p.m.
Also open to public with NT$300 paid admission.
＊Children under 12 years of age or 140 cm in height are not admitted to showground.

◎ EXHIBITION SPACE:

29,049 M2(Upper exhibition hall: 23,008 M2 +  Lower exhibition hall 6,041 M2)

◎ EXHIBITION PROFILE:

Fresh Fruits & Vegetables, Preserved Fruits & Vegetables, Poultry, Seafood, Meat & Processed Meat Products, Edible Oils, Dairy Products, Health Food, Frozen Prepared Food, Canned Food, Baked Food, Biscuits, Wine & Liquor, Coffee & Tea, Juice & Soft Drinks, Condiments & Confectionery, Tableware, Food and Beverages Chain Store & Franchise.

◎ Contact Person：

Project Managers: Ms. Francis Shen

Exhibition Department,

Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA)

Tel: 886-2-2725-5200 ext.2674

Fax: 886-2-2722-7324

E-mail: foodtaipei@taitra.org.tw

FHA2010 – Wine & Spirits Asia 2010 – Opens This Tuesday!

FHA2010 – Asia’s LARGEST international food and hospitality trade event opens this Tuesday at Singapore Expo! This highly anticipated 4-day power packed event will see the gathering of 2,542 international exhibitors from over 63 countries/regions showcasing their latest products and supplies for Asia’s booming food and hospitality industry.

Don’t miss the opportunity to:

· Network and interact with over 50,000 trade attendees!

· Meet face-to-face with international suppliers from 46 Group Pavilions!

· Witness the ingenious culinary creations at the FHA2010 Culinary Challenge, Asian Pastry Cup, Asia Barista Championship and the debut of AHRA Cocktail Competition!

· Gain insights at our series of conferences and forums!

· Attend free seminars and presentations by our exhibitors!

Exhibition Opening Hours

Date:
20 – 23 April 2010 (Tuesday – Friday)

Opening Hours:
10am – 6pm ( Tuesday – Thursday)

10am – 4pm (Friday)

Venue:
Halls 2 – 9, Singapore Expo

– Visitor Registration Counters are located in Halls 2 and 9.

– Visitor registration will stop 30 minutes before the closing time during all four days of the exhibition.

Admission Guidelines:

· All visitors must be in proper business attire.

· The organiser reserves the right to refuse entry to those seemed inappropriately dressed e.g. in bermudas, shorts, singlets, sports sandals or slippers.

· Admission is restricted to food and hospitality trade professionals only.

· Visitor badges are non-transferable due to security reasons.

· General public and minors below the age of 16 will not be permitted entry.

· Visitors who do not have pre-registration confirmation emails or complimentary tickets will have to pay an admission fee of SGD80. Admission tickets can be purchased from Information Counters in Hall 2 and 9.

Important Tip!

As you will be meeting and interacting with present and potential business partners at the exhibition, do remember to bring along your business cards!

We Look Forward to Seeing You @ FHA2010 / Wine&SpiritsAsia2010!