Wine and Dine Festival vendors anticipate sales surge

Wallis Wang

Alcohol sellers anticipate up to a 50 percent increase in business at this year's Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival, which is running for five days - an extension from previous years.

The event is being held at the Central Harbourfront Event Space until Sunday, with extended hours until 11pm to attract more consumers.

Organizers expect around 150,000 visitors, with over 300 booths showcasing a wide variety of global wines and culinary delights.

Zachary Chan, director of HK Liquor Store, told The Standard that his company has participated in the festival for over a decade and is optimistic about this year's prospects.

Positioned near the fair's central entrance, Chan projects a 10 to 15 percent increase in business compared to last year, despite a recent trend of Hongkongers shopping in the mainland. But with the Wine and Dine Festival coinciding with the Popfest at West Kowloon Cultural District, Chan believes many will choose to stay in the city.

A company specializing in Chinese baijiu, participating in the festival for the second time, expects a 30 to 50 percent business increase this year. The company noted its innovative approach to promoting baijiu through cocktails infused with bubble tea and ginger, as well as baijiu-infused ice cream. It added the recent reduction in liquor tax will benefit the local alcohol market in the long term.

Bordeaux Wine Council said it hopes to further promote its products through the festival, saying that Hong Kong and the mainland are leading markets for Bordeaux wines.

Also, the festival features a "culinary stars" section with over 110 food booths.

Forum Restaurant, returning after a seven-year absence, will offer dishes like abalone and oxtail, along with ice cream inspired by traditional local desserts. Executive chef Adam Wong Lung-to anticipates a 30 to 40 percent increase in business compared to 2017.