Spirits have been part of the product mix at the Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair from its start in 2008, but this year was the first year they were prominent.
The show, which took place over three liver-punishing days, was certainly well attended. Two days were for trade visitors, both of which I attended, and one was for the public.
According to the organiser, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the fair attracted 20,000 trade buyers from 76 countries and regions this year to meet the more than 1,000 exhibitors from 38 countries and regions. "On the public day", the event attracted more than 30,000 wine lovers, 30 per cent more than last year. I'm so sorry I missed that.
Every time Vinexpo rolls into town and confirms that it will run a trade show but no public days, there is a certain amount of grumbling.
There is some justification for this, because if you are a private individual with the right connections and money to spend, Vinexpo is certainly prepared to regard you as an honorary member of the trade.
But given the gloom with which some of the exhibitors I talked to were anticipating a Saturday of mostly pointless face-to-face encounters with a thirsty Joe Public, it's hard to blame Vinexpo for looking after their exhibiting customers' interests.