“Hong Kong Wine Boom” reception
Organized by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, New York
The Asia Society
May 26, 2011
Remarks made by Donald Tong, Hong Kong Commissioner, USA, and guests
On Hong Kong’s role as an emerging wine hub
Robin Kelly O’Connor, Head of Wine, Americas, Christie’s
“As people learn more about wine in Hong Kong and China, it is going to be, for years to come, probably along with the United States, just for comparison, the two greatest single wine markets.”
On choosing Hong Kong for its wine auction
Julia Gilbert, Auction Director, Zachy’s Wine Auction
“Hong Kong, it’s cosmopolitan. It’s a great food and wine city. There is a discerning clientele. They are curious. They are eager. And it’s the gateway to mainland China.”
On wine appreciation
Adam Strum, Chairman of Wine Enthusiast
“Wine has always been integral to my life. To see the compilation of Asia and wine together, it’s a dream come true. I’m very excited to see Hong Kongers drinking wine and enjoying it.”
On the booming wine auction business
Cliff Korn, Director of Sales for U.S. and Hong Kong, Acker Merrall & Condit
“Well, the growth has been steady. As people learn a little bit more about what we do, our auctions have grown.”
On the market potential for U.S. wines
Donald Tong, Hong Kong Commissioner for Economic and Trade Affairs, USA
“Between 2008 and 2010, wine imports from the U.S. have gone up to around US$57 million, increasing by nearly five fold, and now the U.S. is the third largest export destination for U.S. wine.”
On wine appreciation
Adam Strum, Chairman of Wine Enthusiast
“I think it’s very exciting. After all, the United States has one of the largest Chinese populations in the world. There’s a connection between Hong Kong and the U.S. It’s the passion and the friendship. It’s the love. And they have wine. It’s sitting across the table. It’s family. That’s what it is all about.”
ENDS