From 6th to 8th November 2014, the Consortium “I Vini del Piemonte” and “Piemonte Land of Perfection,” together with 40 wine producing companies, took part in the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair.
A huge Piedmont “hill” recalling the wine producing territory of Langa, Monferrato and Roero, now a Unesco World Heritage Site: this is the idea behind Piedmont’s participation at the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, which took place from the 6th to 8th November in Hong Kong and attracted some 20,000 buyers and professionals from more than 80 countries. From Piedmont there were 40 wine producing companies gathered on one island created by the Consortium “i Vini del Piemonte” (more than 150 companies united on the idea to “team up” to conquer the different foreign markets) and the Consortium Piemonte Land of Perfection (which gathers the most important associations that protect Piedmontese wine) in the Vinitaly area of the Pavillon dedicated to Italy.
So, the Piedmontese producers returned to Hong Kong united and with good news concerning the Asian markets: according to the most recent Ismea data, sales of Italian wine in all of Asia are increasing. In just the first quarter of 2014, China has recorded a 12.8+% increase with more than 116,000 hectolitres of wine sold. Also the value of the wine commerce is increasing: on the Hong Kong market it records a 2.6+% increase between January and June 2014.
A great number of additional activities were organized and tailored for the different visitors. This included technical seminars and educational workshops for professionals and contests for the public; the last day of the fair is, in fact, open to all members of the public.
Piedmont’s stay in Hong Kong ended on Sunday 9th November with the International Auction of the Alba white truffle and the Barolo and Barbaresco wines with a live feed from Grinzane Cavour, Alba, where the auction took place. The best examples of white truffle and precious batches of Barolo and Barbaresco came under the hammer with all proceeds going to charity.
6th -7th November 2014, from 10.30am to 7.30pm
Sessions dedicated to professionals: product display, technical seminars on specific topics with the participation of experts or with targeted presentations on products and countries, conferences and seminars with educational purposes dedicated to the sector operators.
8th November 2014, from 10.30am to 6pm
Sessions open to the public: tastings and in-depth seminars on the different productions, including competitions actively involving the visitors. Great care is given to the education of consumers on issues related to the wines and areas all over the world where it is produced.
Considering the strategic importance of the International Wine & Spirits Fair and in order to allow more incisive participation of the Piedmontese producers, some side events were organized, with the help, again this year, of the agency Michèle Shah srl:
Before the event, there was a dinner dedicated to trade (upon invitation) at the Hong Kong Jockey Club restaurant, where a renowned professional of the sector took part.
An exclusive workshop before the diner, open only to Piedmontese producers gave guests the opportunity to meet selected professionals of the sector.
During the Fair, two MasterClasses on Piedmontese wines were organized. They were dedicated to importers, organized by Vinitaly and hosted by a local expert.
Franco Mondo – San Marzano Oliveto (AT)
Rinaldi Vini – Ricaldone (AL)
Cà ed Balos – Castiglione Tinella (CN)
Ciabot Berton – La Morra (CN)
Malvirà – Canale (CN)
Piedmontop – Guarene (CN)
La Mesma – Gavi (AL)
Casetta F.lli – Vezza d’Alba (CN)
Tenuta La Meridiana – Montegrosso d’Asti (AT)
Palladino – Serralunga d’Alba (CN)
Langa Style – Alba (CN)
Dosio – La Morra (CN)
San Silvestro Cantine/Coste di Bussia Az. Agricola – Monforte d’Alba (CN)
