Baijiu is fiery palate cleanser for Hong Kong IPOs

HONG KONG, April 17 (Reuters Breakingviews) – Hong Kong could use a shot of something. Initial public offerings in the financial centre are in short supply, but a KKR-backed (KKR.N) Chinese liquor maker’s up to $811 million listing will be the city’s largest so far this year. Beijing is channelling funding onshore to strategic industries, and that will send more consumer companies to the Asian hub. The result could be appetising. Baijiu, a potent colourless spirit, accounts for over two thirds of China's alcoholic beverage market – surpassing the roughly 50% share of wine in France and beer in the…