The 17th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will take place from 6-8 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The event will feature over 620 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions, showcasing a wide range of alcoholic, low-alcohol, and non-alcoholic beverages including beer, brandy, Chinese baijiu, Japanese sake, whisky, wine, and vodka. This year marks the debut of the "World of Spirits" zone, which will feature spirits from 13 countries and regions, aiming to help international brands go global and tap into new markets, particularly leveraging opportunities from the reduction in liquor duty announced in last year's Policy Address.
The fair underscores Hong Kong's strength as a hub for the wine and spirits trade. The inaugural "World of Spirits" zone includes Chinese baijiu, brandy, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, and whisky. Notably, six of the "Top 10 Chinese Baijiu Brands" will participate, such as Kweichow Moutai, Jiangsu Yanghe, Wuliangye, Luzhou Laojiao, Jiannanchun, and Langjiu. For instance, Kweichow Moutai will showcase its iconic "Flying Fairy" Moutai and the award-winning "Golden Prince" Moutai Prince, while Luzhou Laojiao will present its Antique Edition and Guojiao 1573, launching a new baijiu on the first day. Homegrown brands are also on the rise, with Hong Kong actor Timmy Hung's brand Hongjiaban Maotai blending traditional brewing techniques with Hong Kong-style flavours and action movie culture.
International exhibitors include Austria's Martin & Ann Arndorfer Anina Verde, a top-tier natural wine, and Italy's Don Carlo, which features a unique brewing process taking over three years. Japan's Hyakusyun Junmai Daiginjo uses locally grown "Mino Nishiki" sake rice cultivated through natural farming methods. With rising demand for low-alcohol beverages, Estonia's Punch Club OÜ specializes in organic, low-sugar, ready-to-drink cocktails for health-conscious consumers.
Nearly half of this year's activities are spirits-related, including the 2025 China Baijiu Culture International Promotion Asia Forum on 6 November, co-hosted by the China Alcoholic Drinks Association and HKTDC. The 2025 Hong Kong International Spirits Challenge Awards Ceremony on 7 November will honour outstanding Chinese baijiu brands. Tomy Fong, an experienced Chinese baijiu connoisseur, will present a session on baijiu trends. A Baijiu 101 Class on the final day will allow the public to experience baijiu culture and tasting methods.
Three Masters of Wine will host major events: Debra Meiburg will lead the Cathay Global Wine & Spirits Awards Asia Presentation Ceremony, a Wine Industry Conference on AI in Wine Business, and an Austrian Wine and Local Sauce Pairing Workshop. Jennifer Docherty will share insights in a seminar titled "Off the beaten path, gems from unsung regions." Xing Wei will host Tasting Chinese Terroir Wines and join sommeliers Carlito Chiu and Calvin Choi in a blind tasting event to select their favourite wines and spirits as a reference for industry buyers.
Other competitions include HK Best Spirits Awards 2025, Hong Kong International Mixology Showdown 2025, and a Mixology Party. Pairing sessions such as WINE LUXE Hong Kong TOP 10 Wine Pairing Restaurant Awards Presentation Ceremony 2025 and Sake-Chinese Food Pairing will also take place. On the final day, the "Wine Fiesta" Zone will be open to public ticket holders aged 18 or above, offering tastings and purchases. Regular tickets are priced at HK$220, with specially priced tickets at HK$128 available from 22 October to 7 November via various platforms. The fair provides a platform for industry professionals and buyers to explore diverse beverages and seize new market opportunities.
