Consul General Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan (2nd from right) and Vice Consul Allan Revote (leftmost) with Ms. Marita Quiaonza, CEO of Sol’s Italian Food (rightmost) and Mr. Davide Airaghi, Sol’s Italian Food mixologist (2nd from left) at the opening day of the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair 2024
HONG KONG, 10 November 2024 — To showcase the best of Philippine flavors, the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong led the participation of three (3) Philippine food and beverage companies in the recently concluded Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair 2024 held from 7 to 9 November 2024 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
The Philippines’ booth, located adjacent to the fair’s main exhibition showcase area called “The Gallery,” featured products from Hong Kong’s favorite Filipino beer brands, namely San Miguel Pale Pilsen and San Mig Light by San Miguel Brewery; the city’s staple thinly sliced and golden crisp potato snack Jack n’ Jill Potato Chips in barbeque and flaming hot flavors by Universal Robina Corporation; and one of the fair’s biggest hits, an exquisite line of liquor by Sol’s Italian Food featuring Kalamancello Liqueur, Agrumit (5-Citrus Fruits) Liqueur, Limoncello, Elixir (mixed herbs and spices) Liqueur, and Durian Liqueur, which are all made from the Philippines’ finest local ingredients.
Fair visitors were delighted to get a glimpse of the award-winning sceneries and destinations of the Philippines that were on display at the booth. As a nod to the country’s eight (8) major tourism wins at the 2024 World Travel Awards, including Asia’s Leading Luxury Island Destination 2024 (Boracay), Asia’s Leading Beach Destination 2024, Asia’s Leading Dive Destination 2024, and Asia’s Leading Island Destination 2024, the Philippine Consulate featured sceneries of the white beaches of Boracay, turquoise waters and limestone rock formations of Palawan, and a diving spot famous for encounters with diverse marine life, such as a huge school of sardines, in Cebu.
Chinese and foreign visitors, and trade buyers flocked to the Philippines’ booth to indulge in and savor the Philippine flavors. The zesty allure of Sol’s Kalamancello (calamansi liqueur) and the smooth and sweet aftertaste of Durian Liqueur generated the most interest and inquiries from the fairgoers and trade buyers. Meanwhile, Jack n’ Jill Potato Chips gained attention by pairing well with beers and liquors during the fair. Undoubtedly loved by many and renowned for its refined, smooth and rich malt flavored taste, San Miguel Pale Pilsen and San Mig Light managed to attract a lot of beer lovers during the three-day fair.
All Filipino products were well-received and showcased Philippine flavors excellently, with most visitors inquiring about the availability of the products in Hong Kong and international markets.
Consul General Germinia V. Aguilar-Usudan visited the Philippines' booth and congratulated Philippine exhibitors for their participation in the Fair. The Guest of Honor during the opening reception was Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-Po. Secretary Chan acknowledged the participation of local and international visitors and exhibitors to the fair. He likewise reiterated Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee’s Policy Address which highlighted the city’s policy on fostering the trade of liquor, specifically on the reduction of the duty rate for liquor with alcoholic strength of more than 30% and those with import price of over HK$200(US$26), from 100% to 10%.
The 16th edition of the HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), attracted over 600 global exhibitors from 20 countries and regions from around the world. The Fair has established itself as one of Asia’s largest wine trading platforms, offering a diverse collection of wine and spirits and gourmet foods that pair well with wine. The Fair also included wine tasting sessions and seminars hosted by world-class Masters of Wine, sommeliers and industry professionals. END
Philippine Consulate’s booth at the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair 2024
VIP visitors and trade buyers delightfully taste the Philippines’ liquors, beers and snacks during the fair
(clockwise from left to right) Attachés Joan Jose, Chealsie Punzalan, Monica Gianan, and Donna May Siongco accommodate trade buyers and visitors during the Fair
Sol’s Italian Food CEO Marita Quiaonza (leftmost, 1st photo) engages with potential partners and distributors
Vice Consul Allan Revote (2nd from left) with HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong (front row, fifth right) and members of the consular corps and industry organizations during the 16th HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair press conference (photo courtesy of HKTDC)
