Kaohsiung City in southern Taiwan is set to host the Spirits Selection of the 2013 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, the first time the event has been held outside of Europe, according to the local government Jan. 22.
Showcasing a range of spirits such as cognac, fruit wines, grappa, liquors, pisco, rum, tequila and whisky, the competition is expected to be a major draw for Kaohsiung during its three-day run commencing June 7.
Initiated in 1999 as the “little sister” of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, the show has grown in stature in recent years and is eagerly anticipated by fine liquor aficionados worldwide.
“With almost 23 million consumers boasting the fourth-highest disposable income in Asia and a standard of living similar to that in Western Europe, Taiwan is a target market for producers of spirits and liquors,” the Spirits Selection website said. “Taiwan is an excellent business platform for entering Asian markets.”
Echoing these remarks, Chen Chien-hao, a food and beverage management professor at National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism, said the spirits market in Taiwan has performed well with imports estimated at NT$10 billion (US$345 million) in 2011.
This is the main reason Spirits Selection chose to hold the event in Kaohsiung, he said, adding that Asia has emerged as the No. 1 importer of luxury spirits.
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu welcomed the decision of organizers to hold the event in her city, describing the metropolis as an agricultural mecca producing honey, litchi and pineapples, which are all suitable for making wine.
Over the years, the city government has assisted local wine-makers and helped establish wine villages, the mayor said. These measures have enhanced the value of Kaohsiung’s agricultural products, boosted tourism and generated additional revenues, she added.
Chen Chu said she hopes the city’s litchi spirits will win more critical recognition and play a bigger role in highlighting the quality of local agricultural products on the international stage.
Liang Ming-hsien, section chief of the Farmers’ Organization with the city government Agriculture Bureau, said the bureau has been asking wine manufacturers to purchase litchis and create added-value products as part of coordinated efforts to support farmers.
The Spirits Selection of the 2013 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles is accepting entries until March 8, with rankings announced June 17 online. (JSM)
Write to Grace Kuo at mlkuo@mofa.gov.tw