"Not only is this the biggest event in the history of the South African wine industry, but it is also the first time since its inception in 2000 that Cape Wine is being opened by a cabinet minister, indicating the high level of commitment from Government," says Su Birch, CEO of Wines of South Africa (WOSA), which is presenting the three-day event.
The wine industry currently contributes R163 billion a year to South Africa's GDP and employs 257 000 people either directly and indirectly, while an additional R4.2 billion is generated every year through wine tourism.
Over 340 wineries are participating in the biennial exhibition that attracts wine buyers, sommeliers and journalists from every continent. Already the targeted number of 1000 delegates has been exceeded, with that many having registered a week ahead of the show and more bookings flowing in daily.
Notable among the delegates are representatives from all the major supermarket chains in the UK, still South Africa's biggest export destination, as well as strong contingents from Europe, North America, Africa and Asia, says Birch. These delegates represent a well-balanced mix of established and emerging markets. "It is important for our industry to gain access to a range of markets so producers can operate across a wide geographic reach, reducing exposure and thus vulnerability in individual markets."
She is particularly pleased at the strong turnout from countries such as India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, as well as the high number of delegates from African countries, including Botswana, Angola, Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and Ethiopia. Brazil, the biggest economy in Latin America, is also represented, as is Russia.
"In emerging Asian economies, where personal disposable income and conspicuous consumption are on the rise, wine is seen as a symbol of sophistication. These countries are thus integral to the long-term strategies of our producers. We are also heartened by the support from African countries that have historically turned exclusively to Europe to supply their wines. And we are looking forward to exploring the potential of the Russian market which we believe could offer some exciting possibilities."
Local wine buyers and restaurateurs will also be able to keep up to date with new wine developments amongst the country's leading corporate, boutique and independent garagiste producers, when they attend on the second and third days of the event,
Sponsors of Cape Wine 2006 include the SA Wine Industry Trust, the dti and Nedbank.
