Wine show organiser Vinexpo expects that more than 600 exhibitors from some 30 countries will be present at the Vinexpo Asia-Pacific trade show, which is to take place in Hong Kong from 27 to 29 May next year.

Vinexpo said Hong Kong had again been chosen as the venue because of its "strategic position at the centre of a booming wine consuming region". Consumption of wine in Asia is growing at 7.9% a year compared with 1% for the rest of the world.

Robert Beynat, general manager of Vinexpo Asia-Pacific, said: "Our decision to exhibit in Hong Kong reflects the potential for development in the 18 Asian markets and the strategic position of Hong Kong at the geographic centre of this impressive gateway to Asia".

Beynat added that Hong Kong also offered other advantages, such as stability, economic growth, and transport and communication infrastructure.

By April next year, the Vinexpo Asia-Pacific team will have made presentations in seven leading cities in the region, namely Beijing, New Delhi, Seoul, Taipei, Tokyo, Shanghai and Hong Kong itself, the show organiser said.

Vinexpo Asia-Pacific 2006, also held in Hong Kong, featured 568 exhibitors and nearly 7,000 professional visitors.