Hong Kong's wine import business continued its rapid growth in the first two months of 2011, rising by 78 per cent during the period.

Speaking to The Drinks Business, deputy executive director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council Benjamin Chau said since the country abolished wine duty in February 2008, imports have risen dramatically.

"Wine imports for Hong Kong increased by 79.5 per cent in 2008, and in 2009 - even during the financial crisis - Hong Kong still achieved an increase of 40 per cent, while in 2010, wine imports increased by 73 per cent," he told the publication.

Mr Chau went on to say that much of this, however, is re-exported to China, a country with a well-publicised thirst for top-quality Bordeaux such as Chateau Lafite and Chateau Latour.

During the first five months of 2011, Hong Kong's fine wine auctions have captured more than half of global revenues at $123.5 million (£76.4 million), the Financial Times reports.