Seminar introduced "New Zealand Top Varietals" to trade and media at the most influential trade exhibition for international wine producers in Southern China
GUANGZHOU, Nov. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- A broad cross-section of New Zealand's top-selling varietals from different regions were showcased at the 10th China International Wine & Spirits Exhibition (InterWine) in Guangzhou on 28 November 2013.
Led by Hong Kong-based wine writer and educator Ronny Lau, the 'Tasting New Zealand' wine seminar was held at the bi-annual expo, featuring the country's most internationally renowned grapes; Sauvignon Blanc (from Marlborough and Central Otago), Pinot Noir (from Central Otago and Martinborough) which is also growing in international stature, and Hawke's Bay full-bodied reds.
The educational-networking event themed 'Grape Talk: A Comparison of Different Styles of Key New Zealand Varietals' was attended by around 100 Chinese trade representatives and the local media.
New Zealand Winegrowers Asia Marketing Manager, Natalie Potts, commented, "Showcasing wines from New Zealand's leading regions was key to the selection of the wines tasted today, which were full of regional typicity. Marlborough, Hawkes Bay and Central Otago are currently performing very strongly, which earned them 95 gold medals out of the 111 golds awarded at the recently-announced Air New Zealand Wine Awards 2013."
The seminar continued the promotion of New Zealand wine through the high impact program of events across China. "This promotional campaign extends efforts to raise the profile of New Zealand wines in Guangzhou and South China," said Mike Arand, the Shanghai-based Trade Commissioner for New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE). "While generating a 'buzz' about New Zealand wine, the exercise was also useful in developing relationships with key industry contacts in Guangzhou and generating potential business leads for New Zealand wineries."
The New Zealand wine high impact program is a joint effort of NZTE and New Zealand Winegrowers (NZW) aims to position New Zealand as a premium wine producer and to "consolidate and strengthen New Zealand's market share" as wine exports to mainland China which have soared from 200,000 litres in 2007 to 2.5 million litres in 2013 (ended June 2013). In value terms, exports have risen from RMB 10 million (NZD2.1 million) in 2007 to RMB 135 million (NZD26.9 million) in 2013, elevating China to New Zealand's fifth largest wine export market.
The export boom has been especially notable since the signing of a Free Trade Agreement between New Zealand and China in 2008.
