"After a great success at Hong Kong International Wine and Spririts Fair last November, with Chengdu we came a step forward in consolidating our presence in Chinese markets", asserts Ettore Riello, chairman of Veronafiere, coordinating institution of Italian exhibitions.

2014 has been very busy so far for Vinitaly International, Ambassador of Italian wines in the world. On the 3^rd of February they landed in New York with a series of B2B events and then, they hosted the 48^th edition of Vinitaly Verona, one of the leading Wine and Spirits exhibitions in the world. Vinitaly International participated for the first time at the 90^th edition of China Food & Drinks Fair in Chengdu.

Chengdu is the third largest economic centre in China. The presence of Vinitaly International at this event, grounds important opportunities of further growth for Italian wines exports. China represents the fourth largest importer of Italian wines, with imports amounting to 140.593 thousands litres of wine purchased between January and June 2013, a +20,9% with respect to 2012.

"Chinese markets are very important trading partners and represent a key figure in Italian wines export", states Giovanni Mantovani, chief executive of Veronafiere and continues: "Growth opportunities are still vast in China and we chose to participate at Chengdu Wine and Spirits Fair to pave the way for implementing fundamental B2B relations".

Italy's high quality production is gathering great consensus in China. "Never before has Italian wine sector reached such high level of interest amongst Chinese buyers", confirms Stevie Kims, managing director of Vinitaly International. During the exhibition at Kempinski Hotel, Chengdu, Vinitaly International has organized several activities, such as Walk Around Tasting, information sessions and seminars held by key figures in the industry.

Follow @castaritaHK