HONG KONG, Nov 11, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Black Spade Capital Limited (“Black Spade”) were invited to the Finance Summit 2024 hosted by UBS and Invest Qatar. This prestigious summit offered a platform for institutional investors, family offices, sovereign wealth funds and major entrepreneurs from the around the world to interact and exchange ideas. Participants were given the opportunity to deep dive in various topics from investment strategies, risk diversification to artificial intelligence and geopolitics, all of which afforded valuable insight to navigate uncertainty.Mr. Dennis Tam, President and CEO of Black Spade, said, “I had the privilege of meeting His Excellency the Minister of Finance of Qatar Mr. Ali bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari at the Summit. Our discussion surrounded how Qatar has cemented its position as a major global energy player and a key oil supplier in the world market. It is inspiring to see that Qatar is keen on opening its doors to attract more professionals and to encourage startups. His Excellency also shared how they have stepped up their efforts to establish international and business schools. As the Summit coincided with the United States presidential election, His Excellency expressed hopes that President-elect Mr. Donald Trump will bring about lasting peace to the world in the near future. Qatar, with its stunning coastal beauty, made this an amazing trip and a memorable event.”Photo caption:(from the left) Mr. Dennis Tam,President and CEO of Black Spadeand His Excellency Ali bin Ahmed Al-Kuwari,Minister of Finance ofQatar and Mr. Gabriel Wan, Managing Director of UBSAbout Black Spade Capital LimitedBlack Spade Capital Limited is an established family office that manages the private investments of Mr. Lawrence Ho. Headquartered in Hong Kong, its global portfolio consists of a wide spectrum of cross-border investments as it consistently seeks to add new projects and opportunities to its investment mix. Black Spade’s investment strategy maximizes coverage of geographic regions and sectors whilst maintaining a portfolio of diversified asset classes, ranging from equity, fixed income, medical technology, leisure and culture, green energy, real estate to Pre-IPO investments. In August 2023, Black Spade Acquisition Co, a blank check company (SPAC) sponsored by Black Spade, completed a US$23 billion business combination with VinFast Auto Ltd. In August 2024, Black Spade Acquisition II Co, the second SPAC sponsored by Black Spade, raised US$153 million and successfully listed on Nasdaq.Media Enquiries:Strategic Financial Relations LimitedVicky LeeTel: +852 2864 4834Email: vicky.lee@sprg.com.hk Lilia YangTel: +852 2864 4833Email: lilia.yang@sprg.com.hkWebsite: www.sprg.com.hk Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

BANGKOK, Nov 11, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Hyatt Regency Bangkok Sukhumvit buzzed with innovation and insights on October 17, 2024, as rockbird media's Retail & E-Commerce Summit Asia (RESA) brought together industry leaders to explore "Retail Revolution: Illuminating Digital Drivers for Growth and Security." This landmark event showcased Thailand's burgeoning role in Southeast Asia's digital retail landscape, offering a platform for executives across diverse sectors to engage with cutting-edge strategies and technologies.The summit, which saw increased attendance compared to the previous year, addressed critical challenges and opportunities in Thailand's evolving e-commerce ecosystem. Discussions ranged from consumer trends and technological advancements to regulatory landscapes and cybersecurity concerns.Keynote speaker M.L. Luesak Chakrabandhu, President of The Association of Thailand Open Source Federation, highlighted the event's significance. "We have to understand the challenges, difficulties, and limitations of Thailand in terms of business expansion. We need to improve the ease of doing business here, improve our incentives for new business or more tech people to come to Thailand," Chakrabandhu said, adding the need for enhanced communication between the private sector, the academe, and the government to accelerate policy improvements.The event also delved deep into the future of digital payments, with Teeraphol Ambhai, Head of Search Experience at Bumrungrad International Hospital, sharing insights on e-wallets and their potential to revolutionize businesses. "It should be a big thing to know the challenges and also the advantages, how it will leverage business, as well as how we can use e-payment within and outside Thailand. I hope this will lead businesses to use more of e-payment in the future," Ambhai, who was also a speaker for last year’s RESA, stated.Cybersecurity emerged as a critical focus area, especially in light of Thailand's evolving regulatory landscape. Chatchawarn Jirupathum, Group Information Security & Data Protection Officer at RMA Group, stressed the importance of robust cybersecurity measures and data privacy protection. "The rising of new cyber security threats, and since we don't have very solid regulations for the retail and e-commerce in Thailand at the moment, I think is becoming a challenge for next years," Jirupathum explained.The summit featured a mix of keynote presentations, interactive panel discussions, and networking opportunities, allowing attendees to gain actionable insights and forge meaningful connections. The increased attendance and diversity of participants underscored the growing importance of digital innovation in Southeast Asia's retail sector.As the event concluded, it was clear that RESA 2024 had not only met but exceeded expectations, providing a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities lying ahead for the retail and e-commerce industries in Thailand and beyond.For more information about RESA and future events, visit https://rockbirdmedia.com/About rockbird mediaRockbird media is an international business media company that produces B2B events and offers business solutions.Whether it is through online media and content, must-have business intelligence and analytics, effective networking, and partnering solutions, we help businesses and professionals learn more about the latest trends, and know more about their customers, peers, and competition, to make that decision that allows them to grow.Media contact:Ann Jubelle De Veraannjubelle@rockbirdmedia.com Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

SINGAPORE, Nov 11, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - As Singapore continues its rise as a leading tech hub in Southeast Asia, the demand for innovative software solutions has never been higher. With a robust infrastructure, strategic location, and a business-friendly environment, Singapore attracts tech companies, startups, and multinational enterprises looking to harness the power of technology to stay ahead of the curve. However, as technology rapidly evolves, traditional development methodologies struggle to keep pace. In this dynamic environment, DevOps has emerged as a critical practice for organizations aiming to accelerate their software development lifecycle, improve collaboration between teams, and deliver high-quality software more efficiently.The Singaporean tech ecosystem is marked by its emphasis on speed, innovation, and agility, driven by global competition and a constantly evolving market. Companies here are under increasing pressure to adapt to changing customer needs, market trends, and regulatory requirements—factors that traditional waterfall development models struggle to address. DevOps enables organizations to respond to these challenges by promoting continuous integration, continuous delivery (CI/CD), and rapid iteration, which are essential to maintaining a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. The collaborative nature of DevOps—uniting development and operations teams—also facilitates improved communication and alignment, a crucial advantage in Singapore’s multicultural and multidisciplinary workforce.Moreover, as Singapore moves towards becoming a “Smart Nation,” its public and private sectors are investing heavily in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cloud computing. DevOps tools play an essential role in enabling the development and deployment of these advanced technologies. By automating workflows, streamlining testing processes, and ensuring security through practices like DevSecOps, DevOps ensures that software can be delivered rapidly and securely, without compromising quality. With enterprises increasingly adopting DevOps to fuel innovation and digital transformation, it has become an indispensable methodology for businesses looking to navigate the complexities of modern software development in Singapore.Overview of the event:The DevOps Singapore is one such event that explores the latest trends, challenges, and strategies in DevOps. This exclusive, invitation-only summit brings together over 150 C-level executives, DevOps leaders, and tech innovators to discuss the strategic integration of DevOps in modern enterprises. Key topics include the evolution of DevOps, AI-driven automation, cloud operations, and the importance of DevSecOps.Attendees will gain insights into how leading organizations leverage DevOps to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and enhance security. The event offers a unique opportunity to learn from the transformative impact of DevOps, micro services, containers, and AI on global tech giants. Whether you're starting your DevOps journey or deepening your expertise, DevOps Singapore Summit provides actionable strategies to stay ahead in the rapidly changing digital landscape.What to expect at the event:Expect a dynamic agenda that features a combination of keynote speeches, fireside chats, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Sessions will tackle critical topics such as the evolution of DevOps, the integration of security into development (DevSecOps), the future of AI-driven automation, and the impact of microservices and containers on global tech giants. Key sessions will explore practical solutions to overcome challenges in CI/CD pipelines, security, scalability, and cloud integration, offering attendees a holistic view of how to implement and scale DevOps practices in today’s fast-paced tech environment.As the digital transformation journey accelerates across industries, the Exito DevOps Summit 2024 stands as a pivotal gathering for those looking to stay at the forefront of software development innovation. With a focus on real-world strategies and emerging technologies, this event offers invaluable insights into how DevOps practices are shaping the future of enterprise IT.Attendees will leave equipped with the knowledge, tools, and connections to drive the next phase of digital evolution in their organizations. Whether you're leading a DevOps initiative or exploring new ways to optimize your development lifecycle, the Exito DevOps Summit is the place to be for anyone committed to mastering the future of software development.Date: 14th November 2024Time: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PMLocation: Conrad Singapore Orchard.For more information on the Devops Singapore Summit, click on the link.For Media Enquiries, reach out to:Kasturi Nayak (Sr.) Marketing Executive)kasturi.nayak@exito-e.com+91 9739610464 Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

HONG KONG, Nov 11, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Nissin Foods Company Limited (“Nissin Foods” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”; Stock code: 1475) today announced its unaudited third-quarter financial results for the nine months ended 30 September 2024 (the “Reporting Period”).The Group recorded revenue of HK$2,862.2 million for the Reporting Period, compared with HK$2,956.0 million for the corresponding period of 2023. The Group’s revenue slightly increased by 1.3% year-on-year from July to September, mainly due to the sales expansion of certain cup-type instant noodles in Mainland China. The consolidated gross profit for the Reporting Period amounted to HK$997.4 million (2023: HK$1,005.8 million). The gross profit margin increased by 0.8 percentage points to 34.8% in 2024 from 34.0% in 2023, primarily due to the reduction in raw materials and purchase costs during the period.Revenue from the Hong Kong and other Asia operations was HK$1,097.7 million. As for the Mainland China operation, due to weaker consumer sentiment and the depreciation of the renminbi against the Hong Kong dollar, revenue for the Reporting Period was HK$1,764.5 million.Mr Kiyotaka ANDO, Executive Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nissin Foods, said, “We are pleased to see an upward trend in our performance since the second half, reflecting the positive impact of our strategic sales initiatives. Alongside our organic growth, the consolidation of Korean snack manufacturer Gaemi Food in September has started to gradually unfold long-term benefits. It is worth noting that our recent M&A efforts would strengthen our business adaptability and resilience, ensuring stable performance. We aim to continually diversify our product portfolio and increase brand recognition in the markets where we operate, thereby sharpening our competitive edge. This will enable the Group to maintain steady performance and consistently deliver sustainable value to our customers and shareholders.”About Nissin Foods Company LimitedNissin Foods Company Limited ("Nissin Foods”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”; Stock code: 1475) is a renowned food company in Hong Kong and Mainland China, with a diversified portfolio of well-known and highly popular brands, primarily focusing on the premium instant noodle segment. The Group officially established its presence in Hong Kong in 1984 and is the largest instant noodle company in Hong Kong. The Group primarily manufactures and sells instant noodles, high-quality frozen food products, including frozen dim sum and frozen noodles, and also sells and distributes other food and beverage products, including retort pouches, snacks, mineral water, sauce and vegetable products under its two core corporate brands, namely “NISSIN ” and “DOLL ” together with a diversified portfolio of iconic household premium brands. The Group’s five flagship product brands, namely “Cup Noodles ”, “Demae Iccho ”, “Doll Instant Noodle ”, “Doll Dim Sum ” and “Fuku ” are also among the most popular choices in their respective food product categories in Hong Kong. In the Mainland China market, the Group has introduced technology innovation through the “ECO Cup” concept and primarily focuses its sales efforts in first-and second-tier cities. In addition, Nissin Foods operates business in other Asian regions including Vietnam, Taiwan and Korea markets.Nissin Foods is currently a constituent of five Hang Seng Indexes, namely: Hang Seng Composite Index, Hang Seng Composite SmallCap Index, Hang Seng Composite Industry Index - Consumer Staples, Hang Seng SCHK Consumption Index and Hang Seng SCHK Consumer Staples Index. Nissin Foods is eligible for trading under Shanghai-Hong Kong and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect. For more information, please visit www.nissingroup.com.hk. For media enquiries:For investor enquiries:Nissin Foods Company LimitedNissin Foods Company LimitedPublic Relations DepartmentInvestor Relations DepartmentBlanche WONG / Wing WUShingo YAMAZAKI / Fanny YANEmail: pr@nissinfoods.com.hkEmail: ir@nissinfoods.com.hkStrategic Financial Relations Limited Vicky LEETel: (852) 2864 4834 Iris AU YEUNGTel: (852) 2114 4913 sprg_nissin@sprg.com.hk Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

- The three-day Fair concluded yesterday, attracting over 8,200 trade buyers from 61 countries and regions- 50 events and conferences held during the Fair helped facilitate trade and business networking- A lower duty rate for liquor, announced in the latest Policy Address, helps promote emerging Chinese baijiu to the international marketHONG KONG, Nov 10, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The 16th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded yesterday. The three-day Fair attracted over 8,200 trade buyers from 61 countries and regions. Yesterday’s public day attracted over 10,000 visitors aged 18 and above, who enjoyed fine alcoholic beverages from around the world and participated in master classes, tasting sessions, and seminars in the Wine Fiesta zone. This reflects the Fair’s important role as a trade and promotional platform.Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “This year's Fair has attracted over 8,200 trade buyers. The number of buyers from some countries and regions increased, including ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, as well as Japan, Taiwan, Mainland China and more. Global buyers are keen to come to Hong Kong to participate in the Wine and Spirits Fair, promoting Hong Kong as a regional trading hub for wines and spirits.”Ms Chong added: “The latest Policy Address announced a lower duty rate for liquor, which is expected to enhance the trade of high-end spirits. More than one quarter of exhibitors at the Fair brought spirits from around the world, including Chinese baijiu, whisky, vodka, brandy and more. We are glad to see that so many exhibitors and buyers interacted with each other, seizing the business opportunities brought about by the new policy.”Importers, wholesalers, retailers and e-commerce buyers who attended the Fair included: Awin Barratt Siegel Wine Agencies from the United Kingdom; Grupo Alpom Importaciones SL from Spain; Le Clos (MMI) from the United Arab Emirates; ASC Fine Wine (Shanghai) Ltd, Beijing WJ E-Commerce Co, Ltd. and Vinehoo (Chongqing) Co. Ltd. from Mainland China; Mercian Corporation from Japan; Thevincsr from Korea; Luen Heng F&B Sdn Bhd from Malaysia; Wine Creek Pte Ltd. from Singapore; Thai Beverage Distribution Co Ltd from Thailand; Phu & EM Group from Vietnam and more.Trading and marketing opportunities for spirits exhibitorsThis year’s Fair showcased a wide selection of Chinese baijiu from various regions, including Moutai and Zhenjiu from Guizhou, Fenjiu from Shanxi and “Zhongmao” from Sichuan. Exhibitors are capitalising on the Government's reduction in liquor duty to expand their business opportunities.Guizhou Jin Jiao Liquor Industry (Group) Co,. Ltd which specialises in high-end Chinese baijiu, reached a strategic agreement with Hong Kong distributor Wines up Shoppers Group. Guizhou Jin Jiao Liquor’s CEO Xu Xinzhou said that the anticipated collaboration amount is expected to reach at least RMB10 million in one year, helping the company expand its overseas market. Matthew Lun, CEO from Wines up Shoppers, said, “Chinese baijiu holds significant potential in the global Chinese market. We plan to capitalise on the Government’s recent reduction in liquor tax to tap into this market and promote Chinese baijiu, a traditional cultural product, throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.” Guizhou Jin Jiao also identified another Hong Kong buyer through the Fair, aiming to distribute its baijiu in Hong Kong. The two parties will negotiate a first-year business agreement valued at around RMB2 million.Irish whiskey exhibitor Clonakilty Distillery Ltd made its first appearance at the Fair. Company founder Michael Scully said that they have identified about 30 potential buyers from around the world within a day and a half. “The slashing of liquor tax is excellent news, demonstrating to the world that Hong Kong is dedicated to establishing itself as a trading hub for premium wines and spirits in Asia,” he said.“We met a major buyer who distributes alcoholic beverages in both Hong Kong and Mainland China, and we expect him to place an initial order of around EUR100,000 in which some of the high-end whiskies will benefit from the new taxation and enjoy a lower tax rate while being imported to Hong Kong. We believe that the tax reduction has significantly increased the interest of buyers.” Mr Scully also estimated that he could secure orders worth approximately EUR1 million within a few years through the Fair.50 events were held during the Fair, with 12 of these related to spirits. At a seminar themed "A Review and Outlook of the HK Spirits Market (Taste Changes and Taxation)", speakers noted that Hong Kong's reduction of duty on high-end spirits has prompted many businesses in the industry to immediately lower their prices, which helps stimulate demand for spirits.The Fair also presented fine wines from Mainland China, including wines from Ningxia, Yantai in Shandong, Xinjiang and Yunnan, as well as yellow wine from Shaoxing. Chateau Xianghai, a wine exhibitor from Xinjiang, connected with potential buyers from the United States as well as Malaysia and Vietnam from the ASEAN Region. The company’s General Manager Guo Cong said, “The Fair is an international platform providing us with numerous opportunities to expand into overseas markets.”Diverse fine wines and spirits to meet buyer demandTo meet consumers' and buyers’ diverse preferences for alcoholic beverages, the Fair presented an extensive selection of global offerings. These included Old World wines from the Czech Republic, France, Germany and Italy, and New World wines from Australia, South Africa and the United States, as well as whiskey from Ireland. There were also dedicated buyers for sake, gin, plum wine and shochu from Japan, along with tequila from Mexico.Participating for the first time in the Wine and Spirits Fair, Czech exhibitor THAYA vinarstvi, spol. s r.o. engaged with around 50 buyers in just one day and a half, with over 10 showing potential for collaboration. THAYA's Chief Operating Officer, Ing. Vit Travnicek said, “The Sommeliers’ Picks is a great initiative. One of our white wines is featured on the list, and several buyers came specifically to source based on the list.”He also mentioned that the company has just started to explore the Asian market. They have successfully connected with potential buyers from Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam during their very first time at the Fair, "We participate in eight wine exhibitions each year, and this one stands out as the most international."Sambath Sothea, CEO of Auskhmer Import Export Co., Ltd, a buyer from Cambodia, stated that he has a fruitful experience at the Fair and has identified four potential suppliers. He plans to purchase products worth approximately US$50,000, including Japanese sake and wines from Italy and Georgia.Seminars explored consumer demands and sustainable developmentA seminar hosted by Master of Wine Debra Meiburg explored consumption trends and preferences among Gen Z and millennials, an emerging consumer group. Industry representatives speaking at the event noted that young adults have a strong preference for cocktails. The vibrant colours of cocktails are perfect for sharing on social media, allowing the industry to achieve significant promotional results.Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) Concepts crafted a special cocktail, HK & Suit, for yesterday's public day. Many visitors tried it, fostering a lively atmosphere.Sustainability has become a significant industry trend. At a seminar on promoting sustainable wine, a renowned sommelier and alcoholic beverage manufacturer emphasised that providing information on sustainable wine and spirits-making would enhance consumer confidence in the market.Under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid mode, buyers could use the Scan2Match function of the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan exhibitors’ unique QR codes during the physical exhibition. They could also bookmark favourite exhibitors, browse product information and continue discussions with exhibitors online after the show. Exhibitors and buyers can also engage in online business negotiations and matching through the Click2Match smart business matching platform until 16 November.Photo download: https://bit.ly/4fpgZ9GThe Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair concluded yesterday. The three-day Fair attracted over 8,200 trade buyers from 61 countries and regions. Over 10,000 members of the public visited yesterday’s public day to enjoy fine wine and spirits from around the globeMore than 600 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions took part in this year’s FairThis year’s Fair exhibited Chinese fine wine and baijiu such as Guizhou Moutai and Zhenjiu, providing more choices for international buyers50 events and conferences took place during the Fair. Stef Yim (pictured), the first Hong Kong winemaker to establish a winery at the volcano in Sicily, Italy, shared his winemaking journey and invited attendees to taste his wine.Members of the public savoured the HK & Suit cocktail specially crafted for the Fair by Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) ConceptsPublic day, on the final day of the Fair, allowed members of the public to sample wines and spirits around the globe, including Japanese sake, at the Wine Fiesta ZoneWine Master Jennifer Docherty hosted a blind wine-tasting training session during the Fair. In another event, Nelson Chow, Billy Yeung and Ricky Tsui, three experts from different wine fields, discussed the career path of a sommelierThe Fair hosted several wine prize presentation ceremonies and competitions, including the Cathay Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition 2024 Award Presentation CeremonyThe inaugural Sommeliers’ Picks engaged three renowned sommeliers to recommend their favourite wine and spirits lists to industry professionals and the public. Many of these exquisite wine and spirits selected by the sommeliers attracted visitors to taste and purchase themHKTDC Media Room: mediaroom.hktdc.comWebsiteHong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkwinefair/enMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Kelly ShekTel: (852) 2584 4537Email: kelly.yt.shek@hktdc.orgSnowy ChanTel: (852) 2584 4525Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

- The three-day Fair concluded yesterday, attracting some 8,200 trade buyers from 61 countries and regions- 50 events and conferences held during the Fair helped facilitate trade and business networking - A lower duty rate for liquor, announced in the latest Policy Address, helps promote emerging Chinese baijiu to the international marketHONG KONG, Nov 10, 2024 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The 16th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded yesterday. The three-day Fair attracted some 8,200 trade buyers from 61 countries and regions. Yesterday’s public day attracted some 10,000 visitors aged 18 and above, who enjoyed fine alcoholic beverages from around the world and participated in master classes, tasting sessions, and seminars in the Wine Fiesta zone. This reflects the Fair’s important role as a trade and promotional platform.Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “This year's Fair has attracted more than 8,200 trade buyers. The number of buyers from some countries and regions increased, including ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, as well as Japan, Taiwan, Mainland China and more. Global buyers are keen to come to Hong Kong to participate in the Wine and Spirits Fair, promoting Hong Kong as a regional trading hub for wines and spirits.”Ms Chong added: “The latest Policy Address announced a lower duty rate for liquor, which is expected to enhance the trade of high-end spirits. More than one quarter of exhibitors at the Fair brought spirits from around the world, including Chinese baijiu, whisky, vodka, brandy and more. We are glad to see that so many exhibitors and buyers interacted with each other, seizing the business opportunities brought about by the new policy.”Importers, wholesalers, retailers and e-commerce buyers who attended the Fair included: Awin Barratt Siegel Wine Agencies from the United Kingdom; Grupo Alpom Importaciones SL from Spain; Le Clos (MMI) from the United Arab Emirates; ASC Fine Wine (Shanghai) Ltd, Beijing WJ E-Commerce Co, Ltd. and Vinehoo (Chongqing) Co. Ltd. from Mainland China; Mercian Corporation from Japan; Thevincsr from Korea; Luen Heng F&B Sdn Bhd from Malaysia; Wine Creek Pte Ltd. from Singapore; Thai Beverage Distribution Co Ltd from Thailand; Phu & EM Group from Vietnam and more.Trading and marketing opportunities for spirits exhibitorsThis year’s Fair showcased a wide selection of Chinese baijiu from various regions, including Moutai and Zhenjiu from Guizhou, Fenjiu from Shanxi and “Zhongmao” from Sichuan. Exhibitors are capitalising on the Government's reduction in liquor duty to expand their business opportunities.Guizhou Jin Jiao Liquor Industry (Group) Co,. Ltd which specialises in high-end Chinese baijiu, reached a strategic agreement with Hong Kong distributor Wines up Shoppers Group. Guizhou Jin Jiao Liquor’s CEO Xu Xinzhou said that the anticipated collaboration amount is expected to reach at least RMB10 million in one year, helping the company expand its overseas market. Matthew Lun, CEO from Wines up Shoppers, said, “Chinese baijiu holds significant potential in the global Chinese market. We plan to capitalise on the Government’s recent reduction in liquor tax to tap into this market and promote Chinese baijiu, a traditional cultural product, throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.” Guizhou Jin Jiao also identified another Hong Kong buyer through the Fair, aiming to distribute its baijiu in Hong Kong. The two parties will negotiate a first-year business agreement valued at around RMB2 million.Irish whiskey exhibitor Clonakilty Distillery Ltd made its first appearance at the Fair. Company founder Michael Scully said that they have identified about 30 potential buyers from around the world within a day and a half. “The slashing of liquor tax is excellent news, demonstrating to the world that Hong Kong is dedicated to establishing itself as a trading hub for premium wines and spirits in Asia,” he said.“We met a major buyer who distributes alcoholic beverages in both Hong Kong and Mainland China, and we expect him to place an initial order of around EUR100,000 in which some of the high-end whiskies will benefit from the new taxation and enjoy a lower tax rate while being imported to Hong Kong. We believe that the tax reduction has significantly increased the interest of buyers.” Mr Scully also estimated that he could secure orders worth approximately EUR1 million within a few years through the Fair.50 events were held during the Fair, with 12 of these related to spirits. At a seminar themed "A Review and Outlook of the HK Spirits Market (Taste Changes and Taxation)", speakers noted that Hong Kong's reduction of duty on high-end spirits has prompted many businesses in the industry to immediately lower their prices, which helps stimulate demand for spirits.The Fair also presented fine wines from Mainland China, including wines from Ningxia, Yantai in Shandong, Xinjiang and Yunnan, as well as yellow wine from Shaoxing. Chateau Xianghai, a wine exhibitor from Xinjiang, connected with potential buyers from the United States as well as Malaysia and Vietnam from the ASEAN Region. The company’s General Manager Guo Cong said, “The Fair is an international platform providing us with numerous opportunities to expand into overseas markets.”Diverse fine wines and spirits to meet buyer demandTo meet consumers' and buyers’ diverse preferences for alcoholic beverages, the Fair presented an extensive selection of global offerings. These included Old World wines from the Czech Republic, France, Germany and Italy, and New World wines from Australia, South Africa and the United States, as well as whiskey from Ireland. There were also dedicated buyers for sake, gin, plum wine and shochu from Japan, along with tequila from Mexico.Participating for the first time in the Wine and Spirits Fair, Czech exhibitor THAYA vinarstvi, spol. s r.o. engaged with around 50 buyers in just one day and a half, with over 10 showing potential for collaboration. THAYA's Chief Operating Officer, Ing. Vit Travnicek said, “The Sommeliers’ Picks is a great initiative. One of our white wines is featured on the list, and several buyers came specifically to source based on the list.”He also mentioned that the company has just started to explore the Asian market. They have successfully connected with potential buyers from Mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam during their very first time at the Fair, "We participate in eight wine exhibitions each year, and this one stands out as the most international."Sambath Sothea, CEO of Auskhmer Import Export Co., Ltd, a buyer from Cambodia, stated that he has a fruitful experience at the Fair and has identified four potential suppliers. He plans to purchase products worth approximately US$50,000, including Japanese sake and wines from Italy and Georgia.Seminars explored consumer demands and sustainable developmentA seminar hosted by Master of Wine Debra Meiburg explored consumption trends and preferences among Gen Z and millennials, an emerging consumer group. Industry representatives speaking at the event noted that young adults have a strong preference for cocktails. The vibrant colours of cocktails are perfect for sharing on social media, allowing the industry to achieve significant promotional results.Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) Concepts crafted a special cocktail, HK & Suit, for yesterday's public day. Many visitors tried it, fostering a lively atmosphere.Sustainability has become a significant industry trend. At a seminar on promoting sustainable wine, a renowned sommelier and alcoholic beverage manufacturer emphasised that providing information on sustainable wine and spirits-making would enhance consumer confidence in the market.Under the EXHIBITION+ hybrid mode, buyers could use the Scan2Match function of the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan exhibitors’ unique QR codes during the physical exhibition. They could also bookmark favourite exhibitors, browse product information and continue discussions with exhibitors online after the show. Exhibitors and buyers can also engage in online business negotiations and matching through the Click2Match smart business matching platform until 16 November.Photo download: https://bit.ly/4fpgZ9GThe Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair concluded yesterday. The three-day Fair attracted some 8,200 trade buyers from 61 countries and regions. Some 10,000 members of the public visited yesterday’s public day to enjoy fine wine and spirits from around the globeMore than 600 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions took part in this year’s FairThis year’s Fair exhibited Chinese fine wine and baijiu such as Guizhou Moutai and Zhenjiu, providing more choices for international buyers50 events and conferences took place during the Fair. Stef Yim (pictured), the first Hong Kong winemaker to establish a winery at the volcano in Sicily, Italy, shared his winemaking journey and invited attendees to taste his wine.Members of the public savoured the HK & Suit cocktail specially crafted for the Fair by Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) ConceptsPublic day, on the final day of the Fair, allowed members of the public to sample wines and spirits around the globe, including Japanese sake, at the Wine Fiesta ZoneWine Master Jennifer Docherty hosted a blind wine-tasting training session during the Fair. In another event, Nelson Chow, Billy Yeung and Ricky Tsui, three experts from different wine fields, discussed the career path of a sommelierThe Fair hosted several wine prize presentation ceremonies and competitions, including the Cathay Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition 2024 Award Presentation Ceremony The inaugural Sommeliers’ Picks engaged three renowned sommeliers to recommend their favourite wine and spirits lists to industry professionals and the public. Many of these exquisite wine and spirits selected by the sommeliers attracted visitors to taste and purchase themHKTDC Media Room: mediaroom.hktdc.comWebsiteHong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkwinefair/enMedia enquiriesPlease contact the HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:Kelly ShekTel: (852) 2584 4537Email: kelly.yt.shek@hktdc.orgSnowy ChanTel: (852) 2584 4525Email: snowy.sn.chan@hktdc.orgAbout HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Copyright 2024 ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.