Hong Kong wine buyers complain of difficulty in getting passes for Vinexpo
The trade show is trying to crack down on freeloading by tightening its invitation process, which has annoyed some wine insiders and journalists who say they’re having trouble getting access
An invitation fiasco is threatening to overshadow next week’s Vinexpo Asia-Pacific in Wan Chai, with prospective Hong Kong retailers and restaurateurs complaining of difficulties in securing invitations to the wine trade fair and balking at a HK$450 entrance fee.
Although primarily a forum for building relationships, the trade expo is also a chance for buyers to sample wines they may consider adding to shop shelves and wine lists.
To deter so-called wine tourists, accused of gatecrashing the expo for free samples, organisers have this year tightened the invitation process. Retailers and restaurateurs must now be issued with invitations from wineries, but it appears many are unaware of their new role.
Wineries that have issued invitations have in some cases sent them to the wrong email addresses, because buyers in Hong Kong change jobs frequently, according to those who have previously visited the fair.
There has also been an influx of French professionals to the Hong Kong wine industry in the two years since the last show, many of whom have been facing difficulties.