NZ wine takes gold at HK international wine competition
Tuesday 8 November 2011, 2:41PM
By Steve Barclay
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New Zealand wine label, Invivo, received two gold medals for its sauvignon blanc at Asia’s biggest wine competition last week.
The Auckland-based company, not only claimed gold in the best New Zealand sauvignon blanc category, but was also crowned best international sauvignon blanc at the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirit Competition.
“We congratulate Invivo on their achievements at the recent Hong Kong wine awards,” says Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office director, Steve Barclay.
“Hong Kong offers ample opportunities for New Zealand wine companies to tap into the growing Asian market.”
According to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, wine consumption in Asia (excluding Japan) is estimated to reach NZ$40 billion by 2017.
Mr Barclay said the Council anticipates that wine imports into mainland China will account for 58 per cent of the Asian market (excluding Japan).
“Hong Kong acts a gateway to the Chinese market, where total wine imports have grown in value by over $250 million in the past 10 years.”
In addition, Hong Kong made history by becoming the first country to abolish tax on wine.
“In doing so, Hong Kong was the first, free wine port among major economies.”
Mr Barclay said the city-state is interested in top quality goods and New Zealand wine fits the bill perfectly.