Belgian craft beer company The Artist opened its first bar and cafe The Artist House in Hong Kong today (March 15), leveraging the city's international status to promote its brand in the region.

     The 3 500-square-foot Artist House at Fashion Walk in Causeway Bay offers not only Belgium-brewed craft beer, craft beer cocktails and other beverages, but its in-house micro-brewery and hydroponic aqua-farm allows customers to make their own beer, according to co-founder Mr Benjamin Cox. The spacious venue can be used for events, and customers can experience its virtual-reality tour of the brewery in Belgium. 

     The company decided to launch its brand in Hong Kong due to the fact that the city is a unique platform in Asia. Mr Cox said, "Not only from geographical, financial and legal point of view but also from a testing perspective, as Hong Kong allows young brands to confront their new offering wiht a diverse crowd of very demanding consumers. This allows us to improve, develop and sharpen our offering to prepare the brand for a wider Asia expansion."

     He added, "Hong Kong's key advantage is its international business environment and mindset which allows easier implementation and early stage execution. We will use the city as our regional base to expand in other Asian places such as Japan, Mainland China, Taiwan and Korea among others."

     Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Dr Jimmy Chiang welcomed the opening of The Artist House in Hong Kong, offering a new craft beer experience to local and regional customers. He said, "Hong Kong people love craft beer and the city has a high number of international and Mainland Chinese visitors. It is the best place for the company to promote its brand in the region."

About The Artist House

     The Artist House is a brand new bar and cafe launched by a premium and innovative craft beer company, The Artist, from Belgium. It features a hydroponic aqua-farm for customers to supply their own spices, edible flowers and herbs; a micro-brewery to tailor-make their own infused beer; an edible perfume bar to pair unique fragrances with craft beers; a 360-degree virtual-reality tour of the brewery in Belgium; the chance to personalise their own beer bottles with their favourite pictures; and much more. It is also available for the public to rent for private events or gathering. For more information, please visit www.mrtheartist.com/en/the-artist-house.

About Invest Hong Kong

     Invest Hong Kong is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government established in 2000 to attract foreign direct investment and support overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services for overseas and Mainland companies enrolled as its clients. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.

     For an event photo, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72157694504395945.

Ends/Thursday, March 15, 2018
Issued at HKT 17:10

NNNN