HK is in an ideal position to be a wine distribution centre for Asia. - but: Singapore has become a reference hub for fine wine and spirits (Brugaliere (2008) )
- but: Singapore does not have the strong base of collectors and fine wine buyers that HK already has (de Vroomen (2008) )
- but: not many people in HK have the solid wine knowledge needed for distribution
- but: they can be trained by taking courses on wine
- but: East Asia is not a good place to sell wine
- because: about half east Asian people are alcohol intolerant (Alcohol Intolerance (2008) Symptoms section, para 2)
- but: there is a lack of space for storage of fine wines ("Cellar storage needed for influx of fine wines (2008) )
- because: even warehouses are expensive in HK
- because: Hong Kong is the first place in Asia to sign a memorandum of understanding on wine with France (Chow (2008) )
- because: HK can re-export wine to China
- but: China's labelling requirements have to be satisfied
- but: logistics is a concern
- because: clearing customs in China is a hurdle
- but: the government can set up a system so that what comes into HK is considered as coming into China and can be valued and taxed on that documentation (Deeb (2008) )
- because: there is rising interest from China to drink imported wine
- because: the spread of Western culture and lifestyle in China has led to a rise in wine consumption (Liu (2008) )
- because: wine drinking is considered trendy and a status symbol
- because: the HK government has dropped the tax on wines
References
"Cellar storage needed for influx of fine wines." in Hong Kong Echo, No. 49, Summer 2008.
Alcohol Intolerance (2005). Retrieved December 9, 2008 from http://www.foodreactions.org/intolerance/alcohol/index.html (http://www.foodreactions.org/intolerance/alcohol/index.html)
Brugaliere, M. "After the tax cut: the best way forward." in Hong Kong Echo, No. 49, Summer 2008.
Chow, V. "Wine pact a taste of better things to come." SCMP, Aug. 20, 2008. (http://archive.scmp.com/showarticles.php)
Deeb, G. p. 24 in Hong Kong Echo, No. 49, Summer 2008.
Liu, J. "Chinese develop a taste for wine." in Hong Kong Echo, No. 49, Summer 2008.
de Vroomen, B. "Auction houses stage a comeback." in Hong Kong Echo, No. 49, Summer 2008.