Taiwan’s vibrant wine market will rocket to new energy levels this 6-8 May 2016 with the return of the industry-waited Wine & Gourmet Taipei (WGT) at the Taipei World Trade Centre. As the country’s sole professional exhibition that integrates the entire supply chain of the wine industry, WGT presents a tantalizing industry extravaganza from both local and international wine agents, wineries, professional wine cellaret and premium showcases of high-quality accessories.

Organized by one of Taiwan’s most established trade fair specialists; KAIGO Co. Ltd., WGT has gained a notable reputation as the leading event that provides quality business to domestic and boutique wine producers as well as internationally recognized brands by powerhouse manufacturers. For its sixth edition this 2016, WGT is set to welcome over 200 worldwide industry players bringing their best wine selections and products covering nine categories - Still Wine, Sparkling Wine, Fortified and Distillation Wine, Unique Wine, Glassware and Accessories, Storage and Equipment, Gourmet, Lifestyle for Travel and Others.

Wine & Gourmet Taipei 2016 is expected to outdo the exhibition’s yearly record performance after the resounding success achieved at the preceding 5th edition held in 2015 that attracted some 100 companies from 11 countries and 16,505 visits. With 98% of companies that exhibited last year having pre-booked or indicated high likelihood to return this year, the exhibition has earned early signs of success to expand beyond the 4,500 sqm show floor covered previously.

Mr. Gerd Keim, President of KAIGO Co. Ltd., highlighted that, “motivations to bring back an even grandeur show stem from the strong encouragements and reviews we received from highly satisfied exhibitors and visitors alike last year. With promising business opportunities evident in Taiwan’s flourishing wine markets, exhibiting companies can expect a win-win trade experience as they directly meet their most ardent buyers yet at Wine & Gourmet Taipei 2016.”

Against a backdrop of a thriving market with booming sales prospects, robust retail and end-consumer demand plus overall uplift of the nation’s wine culture as observed by industry watchers, WGT is poised to stimulate Taiwan’s fast-growing wine sector further by introducing global-class products to a welcoming market with high quality expectations.

WGT responds to soar in global and Taiwan’s wine demand
According to Euromonitor International’s Wine in Taiwan Report (Nov, 2015), “wine is expected to post a total volume CAGR of 3% over the forecast period (in Taiwan). The growth will be driven by more imported brands, various flavors and a growing wine-drinking culture. Moreover, younger consumers are more inclined to combine wine or sake with American or Japanese food. The on-trade channels will also offer more branded wine options over the forecast period.”

In recent years, various trade analysts have earmarked Asia-Pacific as the third largest wine consuming continent after Europe and the Americas with anticipation that Asia’s overall wine consumption will grow by 25% through 2015, thereby causing a shift in wine-buying power towards the Far East region. Based on TechNavio’s Global Wine Market Report for 2015 to 2019, a global compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.86 percent in terms of wine market revenue, and 1.36 percent in production for the next five years are expected. With the global wine trade reaching 34,312 million USD and 10,794 million liters in 2014, Asia is also deepening its influence as the most active emerging market.

Mr. Keim added that, “it is a homogeneous prerequisite for companies to remain competitive and sustain their premium value by consistently delivering top-grade products. This can be achieved by ensuring production sustainability supported by manufacturing innovations in terms of material research and developments, packaging, logistical strategies and other novel trade mechanisms that the nurturing Taiwan business market can offer. Above these, showcasing their products at a first-rate exhibition like Wine & Gourmet Taipei elevates the company’s profile as this quality-focused platform provides heightened spotlight for fresh products to penetrate the local market.”

Exhibiting companies will also gain exclusive opportunities to market their products by participating at the WTG Annual Selection as winners handpicked by the prestigious Taiwan Sommeliers Association can expect roaring sales at the exhibition. In addition, the organizer has initiated an online cellar to give exhibitors 24-hour brand exposure throughout the year where they can also benefit from networking opportunities with fellow wine importers, distributors and related professionals to understand more about Taiwan’s wine culture and developments.

The three-day event will entice over 20000 prospective visits from trade buyers, sourcing experts to individual wine lovers and connoisseurs with multitudes of activities ranging from product launches, gourmets, master classes and special on-site programs at the stage. After the dedicated Professional Buyer’s Day on May 6th 2016, the action continues on the second and final exhibition days for the general public to experience a colorful wine-learning journey.

For more information to be part of Wine & Gourmet Taiwan 2016 as an exhibitor or visitor, please visit www.winegourmettaipei.com

[Do not drink and drive. Excessive drinking is harmful to health. Do not drink if you are a minor.]