Vinexpo takes place from May 25-27 here. Open to the trade - that is, the people who select the wines and spirits you buy in bars, restaurants and liquor stores, drawing some of the biggest producers to these shores.

The official tally shows of some 800 exhibitors from 32 countries who will attend many are returnees. The Spanish pavilion will include wines from Jerez - a sadly under-represented area of Spain that produces the sexy aperitif, Sherry.

Many from Chile will come, with hopes for a brighter future after the disastrous earthquakes.

There will be a contingent from Romania that could be of great interest. Of course given the show's origins, France will have the largest number of wines on show.

A long chat with Robert Beynat, Chief Executive of Vinexpo Asia-Pacific, revealed his take on drinking trends.

"The latest business indicators show that Asia is one of the most promising markets in the world. Wine consumption is on the increase worldwide, and, not for cheaper, mass produced stuff; the consumer trend is towards better quality wines, not the super Chateaux wines but good quality, affordable-for-many wines."

There's been significant growth in Hong Kong consumption since duties on wine were abolished in February 2008, with marked growth in sales of wine priced under $10.

Worldwide, the average drinker is now more knowledgeable than ever and palates are more discerning - Asia being no exception.

Consumption of wine on the mainland is increasing. Production is also up. According to a Vinexpo/IWSR survey, in 2008 China officially became not only the world's 8th largest wine consumer, but also the 10th largest producer. Wines "made in China" currently account for 88.2 percent of the national market. And growth of 26.7 percent is expected from last year to 2013. By 2013, China is expected to become the 7th largest wine consumer in the world. Japan is the second largest wine-consuming nation in Asia, but growth is only moderate. India's growth has been eye-catching and has been predicted to double between now and 2013, but latest reports say Indage Vintners, India's oldest winemaker, may close soon.

A recent survey I undertook locally showed that the sale of white wines has been growing steadily over the winter/spring months. Unexpected - as the official outlook from Vinexpo/IWSR survey for Hong Kong earlier this year said, "All market segments are growing, but red wines are expected to grow faster than the others between 2009 and 2013. Consumers predominantly prefer red wines, accounting for 80.6 percent of sales, with white wines accounting for 16.1 percent and roses 3.3 percent."

The local market says Asia-Pacific accounts for 6.6 percent of all wine drunk in the world, with wine sales reaching $7 billion in 2009. Consumption over the decade to 2013 is predicted to grow more. One in three bottles of wine drunk in Hong Kong comes from France. But competing markets are catching up. Over the same period, Chilean wine imports grew by 170.5 percent, while Australian and American wine sales doubled.

I foresee a sizable increase in the types and brands of wines as knowledge increases here, and agree with Robert Beynet who says, "Scotch and other whiskies are becoming more and more popular."

On that note I wish you all: Slainte!

Maggie Beale can be contacted on: wine-expert@hotmail.com

(HK Edition 05/19/2010 page4)