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Hong Kong’s liquor tax cut boosts interest in high-end products at wine and spirits fair

Merchants at event say recent levy cut for liquors with import price of more than HK$200 has encouraged them to bring out pricier wares

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The Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair is being held at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai for three days. Photo: Elson Li

Hong Kong’s recent tax cut on liquor has generated more interest in high-end alcoholic products, according to some merchants at the city’s annual wine and spirits expo.

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The Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair launched on Thursday, with the three-day event at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai bringing together more than 600 exhibitors from 20 countries and regions.

John Rhodes, director of Hong Kong-based Scotch whisky seller Jon Dory, said the event allowed him and other exhibitors to connect with more buyers from around the world.

“I can tell you instantly that it’s busier on the first day compared with last year,” he said. “We have got someone from Indonesia, and Singapore, asking about bottlings and whiskeys, and some of what we carry. So it feeds in, like when we are launching our own brand.”

The merchant noted his wares included products ranging in price from HK$600 (US$77) to HK$270,000.

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“We have eventually got a little bit more interest and a lot more interesting avenues of possible business with people here,” Rhodes said.

Gareth McAllister, founder of the Ireland-based Ahascragh Distillery, said the government’s slashing of liquor tax rates had also encouraged him and other merchants to showcase a wider selection of high-end spirits.

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