Continuing to serve as Taiwan’s foremost wine trade exhibition, Wine & Gourmet Taipei 2016 will bolster its internationality with greater winery participation from new and old world producing countries, including France, Italy, Australia, Spain, Portugal and Peru, amongst others. Attracting more than 2000 wines, distributors and gourmet food suppliers are keen to tap on one of the regions burgeoning wine and fine foods market. Wine & GourmetTaipeiis set to play host to over 6000 professional buyers, sommeliers, wine lovers and food industry enthusiasts from around the world. Together, the best brands and most esteemed players in the business will converge at the Taipei World Trade Center Hall 3 from 6 – 8 May to present an impeccable selection of old and new world wines and delectable gourmet offerings.

 

Taiwan’s flourishing wine market sets buoyant sales expectations

 

According to the Ministry of Finance in 2015, Taiwanese consumed about 23 million liters of wine last year. Mr Gerd Keim, President of Kaigo Co., Ltd and organizer of the exhibition said that ”Although Taiwan's wine and beer and whiskey market is growing, there are still significant opportunities to be tapped on as the amount of imports for both products reached growth of 17.7%  and 5.67 % respectively. This signals thatTaiwan's domestic consumer market demand for wine is on a stable growth pattern and will be spurred further by escalating trends of wine appreciation culture which can be developed further.”

 

DespiteTaiwan's economy experiencing the impact of the global trade slowdown last year, the wine market remained active. This was partly due to the energetic consumer market that has become firmly established with the entry of more and more top-grade quality wines imported specifically to target high-end domestic consumers. The exhibition, apart from showcasing entry and mid level wines, will cater to this lucrative market segment for large orders of premium and limited edition wine from reputable exhibitors who are optimistic aboutTaiwanconsumers’ high purchasing and interest power.

 

Food and wine pairing master classes to increase cultural appreciation and quality awareness

 

The exhibition plans to showcase 2000 wines from the centuries-old brewing process areas of the old world to the new world produce including fruity mellow grapes to show the unique charm of vintage and new wine trends that are both bursting out with strong market demands in Taiwan. From the Portuguese national pavilion displaying their different north and south individual styles to the traditional handcrafted brewing Japanese sake, and fresh Cuiqu beer derived from special wines area, the exhibition will provide a wide selection for visitors.

 

This year the exhibition attracted foreign wineries from around the world. Highlights include wines originating from areas abundantly rich in natural resources and climate of Australia’s Braydun Hill; the concept of natural wine fermentation from Australian Fishbone Wines; the long Italian winemaking history inherited from ZYME & Paolo e Noemia d’Amico; the Spanish art of wine from Príncipe de Viana/Rioja Vega; and the pluralistic grape variety from Spain’s Martúe. By just visiting the show, visitors can enjoy these highly distinctive and authentic foreign wines, without having to pay high travel costs to visit the wineries.

 

With the theme "Paring Food and Wine, Adding Flavor to Your Life," the ever-changing interpretation of the wine and food can be done freely to mix and add more wine taste flavor. Gus Lee, General Manager of Cellar by Answer, has been invited to share on the Spanish sparkling wine and Iberian black pig ham hoof perfect mix of soul.La Copa Oscwafounder, Yi-Ting Wang, will bring the Spanish organic wine that showcases the southernTaiwantaste buds combined with popular dessert. Well-known Italian sommelier Alessandro Zuttioni will walk you through the wine that elevates the wonderful taste of Taiwanese snacks; Portuguese winemaker Dorina will enrich your taste buds with the taste of oriental meals and Portuguese wine beautiful encounter. Well-known lecturer Colin Lin will share the amazing potential of Argentine wine mix with Argentine cuisine. In addition to many wine tasting and appreciation programs from heavyweight instructors and winemaker such as Alex Lu’s lecture on fresh beer brewing process, visitors can understand the philosophical wisdom behind wine culture.

 

In addition to fine wines, the exhibition’s gourmet area will provide visitors with exceptional not-to-be-missed gastronomy including outer crisp tender char-grilled steaks, cheese, bread, salami, salmon, roasted nuts, chocolate candy, coffee and others.

 

Exciting show floor and promotional activities for visitors

 

Wine & GourmetTaipei2016 will provide buyers and visitors with a lively atmosphere. Interested visitors should not miss the Press Conference and Annual Selection Award Ceremony (May 6th at 1:30 pm) and are advised to be on time to grab goodies!

 

Visitors can go to the registration counters to exchange their tickets for ISO fine crystal glass and to receive the Visitor Show Guide. By just spending NTD 2000, they will be able to receive an Italian imported sparkling mineral water bottle and a premium volume lottery to gain opportunity to get a limited selection of wines. Visitors are also encouraged to join Facebook page to get the latest insights on the Taiwanese wine market.