HCM CITY – The 14th Tastin France wine cultural programme was organised at Caravelle Hotel Saigon in HCM City on April 2.

The annual event brings together businesses, experts and organisations in the alcoholic beverages industry for tasting wines made in various grape-growing regions in France, and create cooperation and trade opportunities between businesses in the two countries.

The event was organised by Business France Vietnam, a commerce and investment promotion agency affiliated to the French embassy.

The event also attracted 34 French wine suppliers representing renowned regions of France such as Champagne, Burgundy, Loire Valley, Rhône Valley, Languedoc, Bordeaux, and Alsace.

Emmanuelle Pavillon Grosser, the French consul general in HCM City, said despite the downturn in wine and spirits imports due to the economic situation, Việt Nam remains one of the most dynamic in Asia.

In 2022-23 wine imports decreased by 14.5 per cent though imports of spirits saw a 7 per cent increase.

She also said Vietnamese people, especially young ones, are showing increasing interest in wines, presenting opportunities for producers, especially from France, which has a longstanding reputation for quality and sophistication.

Tastin France is part of the Goût de France campaign, which aims to promote French cuisine and beverages in Việt Nam.

The event opened at the Grand Mercure Hotel in Hà Nội on April 1. — VNS