SANTIAGO, Chile, Nov. 2, 2011 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- As a result of its commercial opening and the recognized quality of its vintages, wine has become Chile's official ambassador, establishing a presence in more than 150 countries as Chile has consolidated its position as the fifth largest exporter of wines in the World in 2010.
Color, aroma and an internationally recognized flavor make Chile's wines into its principal representatives par excellence, inasmuch as it has made it possible to bring the varied, astonishing and diverse geography of the country to the tables of wine lovers throughout the world.
In the international setting, China represents a highly dynamic market for Chilean exports of wine, both in bottles and in bulk shipments, which during the past 5 years have undergone a 300% increase in exports, from US$ 20 million in 2006 to US$ 83 million in 2010.
In the category of bulk shipments of wine in particular, Chile has positioned itself as China's largest provider in 2010, with shipments valued at US$ 40 million, accounting for 35% of China's wine imports in containers larger than 2 liters.
On the other hand, during the same period, Chile has ranked in fourth place for Chinese imports of bottled wine, with operations of US$ 37 million, exhibiting a rise of 53% over 2009, and amongst which packages of wine accounted for 52% of shipments to China in 2010, following in order of size shipments of the bottled wine variety Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenere.
Chilean wines, quality through the senses
While Chile appreciates the favorable export statistics, its interest does not only lie in increasing volumes and revenues of shipments, but it has paid special attention to the quality of the wines that are now consumed all over the world. And for this reason, innovation is now emerging as a key concept which, combined with Chile's 450 years of wine making history, today defines the state of the art of an industry which, as a result of its quality, has obtained major recognition at international competitions such as the Decanter World Wine Awards, as well as in specialized magazines such as Wine Spectator.
The foregoing is in total harmony with the requirements of demanding markets such as Hong Kong, today one of the world's largest consumers of wine, where the most prestigious vintages are esteemed, and which will soon host the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, to be held this coming November 3rd through 5th, where Chile will introduce itself for the first time with the best of its wines through the participation of 18 vineyards, in the 198 square meters of the Chilean pavilion.
The Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair has managed to establish itself as one of the most important events for the wine industry in Asia, a situation that Chile hopes to make the most of to continue to develop its ties with this market through networking events where Chilean businessmen will introduce their products and learn about new developments and trends in a market that is highly attractive to the country's export sector.
At the end of the encounter, Chilean exporters expect to improve their position as Hong Kong's seventh largest wine supplier, and thus surpass the amount exported in 2010, which added up to US$ 17 million, a figure that constituted a 34% increase over 2009.
Chile: Pavilion neutralized and certified
Climate change is one of the most complex problems confronting humanity, and Chile has taken up the inspiring challenge to do its part through concrete actions that make it possible to mitigate the impact of this phenomenon.
The commitment that Chile has assumed, and in which the world's most competitive economies are engaged, is that from now to 2020 there is to be a 20% reduction of the greenhouse gases causing global warming.
Greater environmental awareness and the responsibility to deliver products that contribute to the quality of life of their consumers are some of the objectives that Chile has set for itself, and that are now coming to life through its participation in one of the wine industry's biggest events in Asia, the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair.
To tackle the challenge of sustainable exports while addressing concerns for economic growth, social welfare and environmental sustainability, Chile will neutralize 150 tons of CO2emitted as a result of its participation in this event.
Chilean Pavilion Carbon Neutral Certified is the seal of Chile's commitment to the environment, while the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair is the perfect setting for demonstrating this commitment to the world.
Certifications 2011
From February up until now, eight of Chile's international events have had the equivalent of 1,849 tons of CO2 emissions neutralized: Fruit Logistica 2011 (Berlin), Biofach 2011 (Nuremberg), Prowein (Dusseldorf), London Wine (London), Carbon Expo (Barcelona), Vinexpo (Bordeaux), Fancy Food Show (New York), and Anuga (Cologne) are the forerunners of an effort that is now of more vital importance than ever before.
