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To help launch its new business in Hong Kong and promote Californian wines in Asia's regional wine hub, California Grapes International Inc. has brought celebrated chef and vineyard owner, Ms Amelia Ceja to Hong Kong. Ms Ceja prepared an authentic 4-course Mexican dinner complemented with her award winning wines at Hotel W this evening (April 24).
Ms Ceja is among the first generation of Mexican-American winegrowers in California. She was described by Wine Business Magazine as the "Hottest Small Brand Winery" and her contributions to the sector were recognised when she was named "Woman of the Year" by the California Congress in 2005.
The dinner organiser California Grapes International Inc. is a leader in the export and wholesale distribution of Californian wines. To better serve the Asian market place, the company has recently opened a regional office in Hong Kong. The office will act as its Asian distribution hub and sales and marketing headquarters.
"We are pleased that California Grapes has chosen to bring celebrated chef and wine connoisseur Amelia Ceja to Hong Kong, Asia's wine hub and culinary capital. There is definitely a thirst and appetite for fine wine and fine dining in our city. Now wine duty has been reduced to zero we have seen a number of wine businesses set up in our city, providing more choice to Hong Kong people and visitors, we look forward to welcoming more wine businesses to Hong Kong in the future" said Acting Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Charles Ng.
"With wine duty reduced to zero, it was clear we should expand our operation into Hong Kong. This strategic decision presents us with a tremendous opportunity to offer affordable premium Californian wines in Hong Kong. It also provides us with a launch pad into mainland China and other Pacific Rim countries," said President, California Grapes International Inc., Mr Luis Perez de Leon.
"Within the next 5 to 7 years, Asia's wine imports are forecast to be US$870 million, and we want California Grapes to be a leader in that growth," he added.
"I warmly welcome Ms Ceja to Hong Kong and also wish California Grapes all the best in developing their Asian business from their new regional office in Hong Kong. InvestHK stands ready to provide any necessary support to help make your new business venture a success," Mr Ng added.
California Grapes International Inc. is a leader in international wine sales and distribution, exclusively focused on the California wine industry. The company has identified and developed the necessary marketing, operations and sales support mechanisms to help domestic wineries realise the opportunity of international sales. The company's sales platform includes: direct retail sales; strategic account sales; wholesale distribution partners; comprehensive marketing and wine education. This support is provided by the company's team of expert staff with knowledge in wine making, wine sales, international logistics, business development, distribution sales and product marketing. For more information, please visit www.cagrapes.com .
Ceja Vineyards is a family-owned producer of ultra premium wines in the Napa Valley, California. The family has been growers in the Napa and Sonoma Valleys for forty-two years. Ceja Vineyards, the wine production company, was founded in 1999.
Invest Hong Kong is the award-winning department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government responsible for attracting and facilitating inward investment into the city, by providing free services and support to help overseas, Mainland and Taiwanese companies establish or expand their business presence in Hong Kong. For more information, please visit www.InvestHK.gov.hk .
Ends/Friday, April 24, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:01
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