Speaking at Hong Kong’s eighth Wine & Dine Festival an industry spokesman also outlined that exports to Hong Kong fell 11% by volume to 74,000 hectolitres of Bordeaux wines but increased by 24% to a value of €278 million, reflecting Hong Kong’s maturing consumer market who are looking to spend more per bottle.
Hong Kong is now the second highest export destination in terms of value and accounts for 16% of total export value of Bordeaux wine.
“But China still dominates,” said Sichel. “It has returned to the highest level, with 502,000 hectoliters exported to a value of €300 million which affirms its leadership in volume and value.”
There was also a quick discussion on this year’s vintage, which was characterised by weeks of drought and a dry and sunny September followed by a few welcome days of rain.