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Good morning, everyone!
Welcome to the first day of Vinexpo Asia 2024! It’s wonderful to be back in Hong Kong, a city Vinexposium has a long history with and that truly serves as the gateway to Asia. Hong Kong's strategic location, vibrant economy, and sophisticated infrastructure make it an ideal hub for our industry. The city provides the perfect backdrop for connecting with key players from across the region and around the world: there’s no better place to forge new connections, and I encourage you all to take full advantage of this opportunity!
Before diving in to today's highlights, I'd like to take a moment to look back on yesterday's B+D Grand Tasting Hong Kong. What an event! Bettane+Desseauve provided an excellent opportunity to sample some exceptional wines and learn from the greats themselves through a series of masterclasses. It is also always interesting to have a chance to get consumers' perspectives, and the Grand Tasting did just that by opening the event up to everyone in the evening.
Vinexpo Asia 2024 will kick off with the opening ceremony today at 10:00 am, featuring Dr Bernard Chan, Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Developpement of the Hong Kong SAR Governement, H.E. Mr Bertrand Lortholary, Ambassador of France to China and Mr Dane Cheng, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB). This is always an exciting and festive moment that sets the tone for the rest of the show, you won't want to miss it.
Vinexpo Asia has a packed schedule filled with conferences, masterclasses, and numerous networking opportunities. Our aim is to provide a platform where everyone can learn, share, and grow within the industry. While of course I would say try to attend as many sessions as you can, one of today's highlights includes the "Hong Kong and The Greater Bay Area: Consumer Trends, Challenges and Opportunities for the Industry." This conference will help you get a feel for the area and provide you with some valuable insights in order to make the most out of your Vinexpo Asia 2024 experience. For more info on the wine and spirits industry in Hong Kong, you can also read our interview on page 10 with Rob Temple, Managing Director Sinowine LTD, an expert in the field and one of the session speakers.
Between sessions, I encourage you to explore the exhibition floor. Take the time to taste a variety of products and engage with exhibitors. This is a great chance to discover new products and form connections that can benefit your business. The show is brimming with innovative products and passionate producers eager to share their stories and offerings.
I hope you find today enriching and inspiring. Taste, learn, and network as much as you can. Vinexpo Asia 2024 is a celebration of our industry’s innovation, diversity, and passion. Let’s make it a memorable experience for everyone.
Cheers!
