A Real French Apéritif Party - French Moment × La Marmite

24 April 2012  ::  6:30 pm to 9:30 pm

La Marmite, 46 Staunton Street, Soho, Central

Click on the link to enroll!

A casual soirée to chill out?

A cosy place to chit-chat?

A superb occasion to network?

YOUPI!!!!!! A fabulous happening skedded for 24th April down in the heart of Soho! Raise your wine glass in celebration of French Moment’s 1st Apéritif Party chez La Marmite, the ONLY French bistrot in Hong Kong awarded a ‘Bib Gourmand’ in the latest Michelin guide.

Price: HK$188 for French Moment members / HK$208 for non-members

Menu:    

French canapés and desserts

Nice French wine

A goodie bag filled with surprises for the first 100 RSVPed guests

A memorable French Moment

Enquiry:   
French Moment - Ms. Dorothy Leung / +852 2866 7163 / dorothy.leung@sopexa.com
La Marmite - Ms. Soraya Rechid / +852 2803 7808 / soraya.rechid@aqua.com.hk

Sopexa wins pitch to promote Food Culture and French Products throughout the world

Press release
3 March 2012


The French Ministry of Agriculture has appointed Sopexa Group to handle its marketing account to promote Food Culture and French food produce throughout the world, following a competitive pitch.  The outsourced public services contract - or “Délégation de Service Public”, as it is known in France - is a five-year campaign due to start in 2013, and is worth an annual budget of 9 million Euros.  The account covers three main areas, including providing export solutions to businesses and industrial sectors in high potential markets, consolidating their position and profile in key markets and promoting French food and drinks culture by communicating on France’s brand image.


“The results achieved in 2011 were outstanding, thanks to which agriculture lies at the heart of France’s economic landscape.  And underlying these results is the exceptional contribution of industrials, food processors, producers and Sopexa Group. This represents years of hard work, rationalisation and support in export markets. I am delighted to confirm that Sopexa has won this public services contract to ensure the promotion of the French agri-foods throughout the world until 2017”, announced Bruno Le Maire, the French Minister of Agriculture, during a breakfast briefing organised by Sopexa and held at the end of last week at the International Agricultural Show (SIA), in Paris.


On the agency win, Cécile Bassot, Managing Director of Sopexa Group, commented: “We are extremely proud to have won the account.  This is a significant win for Sopexa, and officially recognises the expertise of our agencies and their passion to support France’s brand image. The 14.6% increase in France’s agri-food exports, and France’s position as world leader in wine exports, validates our strategy and the activities we implement”.


The marketing and communications agency group has worked on the account since 2008. The French Agricultural Minister’s decision to renew this outsourced public service contract endorses the quality and effectiveness of the proposal.  




Sopexa’s unique level of understanding of the agricultural sector, its market intelligence and ability to cross-fertilise French Food culture with local cultures in foreign markets make it the gold standard agency delivering international solutions in Food, Wine and Lifestyle. 


The Group, which counts 280 employees from 31 different nationalities, comprises a unique integrated network of 26 agencies throughout the world.  In September 2011, Sopexa launched agencies in Sao Paulo, Brazil and a further three in Wuhan, Chengdu and Xiamen in China, complementing those already established in Peking, Shanghai and Canton.
With privileged access to local decision making circuits in retail, hotel and restaurant channels, Sopexa consultants deliver a complete range of services: from strategic marketing consultancy to implementing actions above and below the line and at point of sale, targeting both industry professionals and consumers alike.


Facts and Figures 2011


1,856 businesses supported by Sopexa at 30 international fairs, via the French Pavilion concept.


26,000 consumers have taken part in the Aperitif a la francaise concept; a global event held in June, founded and orchestrated in 10 countries by Sopexa, involving the participation of 254 French businesses.


39 promotional weeks implemented in partnership with the leading international retail giants, including Tesco, Aeon, Corte Inglés, Delhaize, Carrefour, Auchan and Whole Foods, across 20 countries.


50 conferences, training initiatives and competitions - such as Best French Wines Sommelier, attracting 300 candidates and recognising 8 winners in South Korea last year – promote French culinary culture throughout the world.


A pioneering force in promoting French produce abroad, Sopexa has secured a network of professionals - known as The Digital Factory - specializing in digital communications.
It is also responsible for the official portal site for French agri-food exporters: www.franceAgroalimentaire.com (www.frenchfoodandbeverages.com).


Sopexa is the alliance of experience and cutting edge techniques.

Burgundy Wine Discovery Seminar - in Celebration of Fine French Cheese

20 April 2012  ::  3:30 pm to 5:30 pm

Ritz Carlton, 1 Austin Road, Kowloon, Jade Room I & II – Level 3

Language: English

* Exclusive for Wine Trade Professional and Media


FULLY BOOKED


The Burgundy Wine Council (BIVB) is organizing, for the first time ever, a magical Burgundy wine and cheese pairing seminar in Hong Kong. 

Exclusively organized for the wine trade and media, this practical and theoretical seminar, conducted in English, will showcase some of the most magical appellations of Burgundy**. It will take the audience through the region in a straightforward way: no complicated names or intricate concept! Burgundy Wine Council’s Official Accredited Tutor will give an easy and no-nonsense access to the appellations. It is the best way to understand Burgundy: a land of tiny estates that produce some of the most amazing wines in the world.

The quality of the wines presented is outstanding: most of them are at Premier Cru level and come from celebrated appellations such as Puligny Montrachet, Aloxe Corton and Vosne Romanée. It will be a rare occasion to taste the best of the best Burgundy wines with a true Burgundy expert.

To match the delicate and complex flavours of these wonderful wines, the finest French cheeses will be selected by a French Cheese Master. Pairing red and white Burgundy with cheeses will seem so simple and straightforward afterwards!

Set in the luxury Ritz-Carlton Hotel, this seminar will be an amazing, delicious and inspiring experience. It will kick off, in style, a series of events highlighting the extraordinary quality and diversity of Burgundy and its wines. In 2012, thanks to the Burgundy Wine Council, Hong Kong wine lovers will have a true understanding of the culture and tradition of ‘Bourgogne’. 

About the Burgundy Wine Board (BIVB): 

The Burgundy Wine Board (BIVB) is a professional organization which brings together all winegrowers and wine-merchants of Burgundy. Burgundy today is a 26,000 hectare puzzle, representing only 0.5% of the world vine production, but which still adds up to 204 million bottles. No other French region so neatly sums up one word – “terroir” – all the potential for great quality wines. For what makes Burgundy wines stand out is the intimate relationship between the soil, the influence of the microclimate, the grape variety and the work of the man. More information on Burgundy Wines is available on the website

** The most magical appellations: 

• Pouilly-Fuisse, white
• Chablis 1er Cru, white
• Mercurey 1er Cru, white
• Puligny Montrachet 1er Cru, white
• Mercurey 1er Cru, red
• Beaune 1er Cru, red
• Aloxe Corton 1er Cru, red
• Vosne Romanée 1er Cru, red

French Wine Course 2012 - Elementary

23 April - 16 May 2012 (English)

Asia Wine Service and Education Center

Registration: Complete and Return Form and payment to Sopexa

A sip of wine not only creates a stimulus synapsing every single taste bud to the brain, but also comprises part of the very precious knowledge on earth – oenology.

This course is designed to provide a sound foundation of knowledge on major French wine producing regions, grape varieties, wine making and storage, as well as classification system. Participants will be trained to acquire wine appreciation skills and proper wine vocabulary usage. The course offers an introduction to new comers of the wine distribution and hospitality industry and also to wine lovers. Experienced educators will guide you to an amazing journey soaked with French wines and help you foster your confidence!

Class Details:

16 hours total | week-day afternoons | 7 classes in all | 1 Certificate examination

Time:  3:15-5:30 pm

Address: Asia Wine Service and Education CenterRoom 1503-08, 15/F, Kai Tak Commercial building, 317-319 Des Voeux Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Price: HK$ 4,500 

FRENCH MOMENT MEMBERS' SPECIAL PRICE: HK$ 4,275  
(What is French Moment? www.frenchmoment.com)

Registration: Complete and Return Form and payment to Sopexa 

English Course:

• 23 Apr: Introduction to French Wines by Mrs. Jennie Mack
  
• 25 Apr: Alsace by  Mrs. Jennie Mack
• 30 Apr: Bordeaux by Ms. Ivy Ng
• 2 May: Burgundy by Ms. Ivy Ng
• 7 May: Rhone Valley by Ms. Debra Meiburg
• 9 May: South of France by Mr. Pui-Hong Chung
• 14 May: Champagne & Sparkling by Ms. Corinne Mui
• 16 May: Examination