The popularity of New World wines is growing in Hong Kong, with imports shooting up despite a decline in value of wine imports overall.

Wines from Chile, New Zealand and South Africa saw double-digit growth in the first eight months of this year.

Of the three, South Africa saw the biggest jump, with sales up 52 per cent over the same period last year, to HK$31 million. Volume was up 47 per cent, to 754,000 litres.

Imports from Chile increased by 36 per cent to HK$127 million, while those from New Zealand rose 33per cent to HK$70 million.

During the same period, total wine imports dropped 18 per cent by value from last year to HK$5.45 billion, mainly because of a poorer performance by France. The value of its imports fell 25 per cent to HK$3.11 billion, though it kept its top spot overall.

The figures from the Trade Development Council were released a day before the opening of the Hong Kong Wine and Spirits Fair at the Convention and Exhibition Centre, featuring 950 exhibitors from 36 countries. The first two days are for trade only, but the fair will open to the public on Saturday with an admission fee of HK$200.