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US-based Veraison Holdings Inc today (October 21) announced the recent set up of its wine trading company, Direct Connect Logistics Ltd, in Hong Kong. Veraison also celebrated the birth of Wine World Connect, a mobile application newly developed by the company and built primarily for the emerging wine markets in Hong Kong and Mainland China.
Incorporating Facebook, Twitter and other social media, Wine World Connect is an all-in-one multi-app platform created for wine enthusiasts, from novice to expert. The app provides mobile access to extensive wine education, exclusive information about wines, wineries and wine merchants. Direct Connect Logistics Ltd has been set up as the fulfillment company for special and exclusive offers going out to members of the Wine World Connect mobile app. Veraison also plans to incorporate additional wine distribution companies, wine merchants, restaurants, hotels and sommeliers with the goal of promoting the entire wine community of Hong Kong inside the Wine World Connect mobile app.
The President of Veraison, Ms Tracy Eastwood, said Hong Kong was the best base from which to enter the market. "The Wine World Connect mobile platform and Direct Connect Logistics are headquartered in Hong Kong because of the open business environment, overall access and ease of logistics operations and tax," she said.
"The fact that Hong Kong is now considered the region's wine hub means that it is an exciting time to become part of the wine community here. Additionally, we strongly believe the way to connect the enthusiast to the winery and merchant is through the use of new mobile technology, education and enthusiasm, which we are pleased to be bringing to Hong Kong."
The Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion, Mr Andrew Davis, welcomed Veraison's headquarters' establishment in Hong Kong and said, "The wine duty exemption in Hong Kong since February 2008 has seen total wine imports into Hong Kong increase by 80 per cent, 41 per cent and 73 per cent in 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively, reaching US$895 million in 2010."
"There is a growing regional demand for wine, and consumption is forecast to double by 2017. Locally, wine is predicted to post a 25 per cent increase in total volume consumption leading up to 2014. It is no wonder that Hong Kong has become the epicentre of Asia's wine trade," he added.
Starting a business in Hong Kong, for companies large and small, has been further facilitated with the launch of the Government's electronic incorporation service in March 2011. The time required for company incorporation and business registration has now been significantly reduced from four working days to one.
About Direct Connect Logistics Ltd
Registered in Hong Kong in August 2011, Direct Connect Logistics Ltd is a wine trading company created with the partners of US-based Veraison Holding Inc and Chateaux Direct. It serves as a fulfillment company for exclusive/special offers and unique purchases placed through the Wine World Connect mobile platform, as well an extensive wine education resource centre for Hong Kong and Mainland China. For more information, please visit: directconnectlogisticshk.com or download the Wine World Connect mobile application from your HK app store.
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government established in July 2000 to take responsibility for Foreign Direct Investment and support overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong's vibrant economy. As it celebrates its 11th year of operation, Invest Hong Kong has completed over 2,300 investment projects creating more than 28,000 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and HK$60 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
Ends/Friday, October 21, 2011
Issued at HKT 11:00
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