Anne-Marie Idrac, French Secretary for Foreign Trade said that Hong Kong has all the attributes to be the wine hub of Asia, and hopes Hong Kong succeeds in this field as she succeeds in other many fields. (Source: Vinexpo)

Scotch whisky exports earned £90 (€115) every second for the UK in 2007, with the value of shipments increasing by 14 % to reach a new record of £2.8 bn (€3,58 milliards d’euros). The export volume was also at a historic high, growing 8% with the equivalent of 1,135 million bottles of Scotch whisky shipped overseas. (Source: Scotch Whisky Association)

Hong Kong would gain French expertise and experience in wine related trade, tourism and education under an arrangement with France, the Chief Secretary, Henry Tang Ying-Yen said. The arrangement will take effect in the summer and is expected to held raise the city’s international profile in its bid to become the region’s wine hub. Speaking at the Vinexpo Asia-Pacific trade show opening, Henry Tang Ying-Yen said: “Under the arrangement, France would share with us its experience in promoting wine-related trade and tourism, as well as providing training on wine tasting”. (Source: South China Morning Post)

Mr Henry Tang, Ying-Sen, Chief Secretary for Administration, said at the Opening Ceremony of Vinexpo Asia-Pacific on Tuesday 25 May, that Hong Kong is the only duty free wine port, and told to the exhibitors and visitors “good business and every success” . (Source: Vinexpo)

An agreement is being signed by wine industry group and the South Australian Government aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions in wine production. It will be a significant way to address an overseas demand for products from environmentally-conscious winemakers. (Source: ABC News)

The Uk was the most important export market for Spanish wines in terms of value in 2007. Wines from quality designated regions were the most important category with close to €176 million worth of wine being shipped to the UK, according to Federacíon Española del Vino. This represents an increase of 15,9 % increase. (Source: Decanter.com)

New Zealand’s wine exports to China, although they are quite modest, will be helped by the agreement that provides for the removal of customs barriers between the two countries. This agreement should boost exports, which are constantly growing: an increase, in 2007, of 65% in volume and 45% in value (204,464 litres, €1.2 million). (Source: VSB)