The 18th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, running for three days from 5 to 7 November. The event brings together more than 620 exhibitors from over 25 countries and regions, presenting wines, spirits, and beverages from more than 40 origins. This diverse lineup underscores Hong Kong's role as a gateway connecting global products with buyers worldwide and reinforces its position as an international trading hub for the wine and spirits industry.
The fair features a strong international presence, with returning exhibitors from France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Australia, alongside newcomers from Latin American countries such as Argentina, Mexico, and Peru. Georgia, Romania, Slovakia, and Uruguay are participating for the first time, while Calabria in Southern Italy and Brazil debut as participating pavilions. This expanded participation broadens sourcing opportunities and showcases the evolving diversity of the wine and spirits sector.
Hong Kong's role as a trading centre for high-end liquor extends beyond trade itself, supporting related sectors including auctions, retail, catering, warehousing and logistics, and professional services. The city continues to leverage its unique position as a "superconnector" and "super value-adder," attracting international wine and spirits companies to use Hong Kong as a gateway to the Asian market while supporting Chinese Mainland industry players in accessing global markets.
Benefiting from the reduction in liquor duty, the acclaimed World of Spirits zone has further expanded this year, bringing together spirits exhibitors from 17 countries and regions covering the world's eight major spirits categories. Highlights include Slovakia's BENTIANNA Brandy Liqueur, Australia's Ironbark Red Whisky, Russia's Klimlin Palace Legendary Vodka, Mexico's Tequila Fregón, as well as soju from Korea, rum from the United Kingdom and Canada, gin from Czechia, and Chinese baijiu. Chinese baijiu takes centre stage with the "Top 10 Chinese Baijiu Brands," including Moutai and Yanghe, and a new Baijiu Cultural Display Area that combines culture, technology, and interactive experiences to showcase baijiu production processes and the digital presentation of the classic text "Jiudian."
The "Chinese Baijiu Go Global" seminar, held today, attracted significant industry participation and facilitated discussions on baijiu brands' international development strategies, reflecting the growing industry focus on globalization. Alongside baijiu, emerging Chinese wines are leveraging Hong Kong's international trading platform to reach overseas markets, with tasting sessions featuring wines from Xinjiang and Ningxia allowing international buyers to experience their distinctive character and quality.
The fair also features a growing number of local brands that creatively blend traditional distilling techniques with unique Hong Kong flavours, such as Quadran Gin Salty Lime London Dry Gin and CATNIP tea gin – YUAN YANG, demonstrating the creativity and vitality of Hong Kong's young wine and spirits enterprises. Additionally, a range of distinctive beers and alcohol-free beverages are presented to meet growing demand for diverse drinking experiences.
This year's fair features more than 40 events, including tasting sessions, forums, and networking activities. The popular Sommelier's Picks programme returns, featuring recommendations selected through blind tastings by Master Sommelier Derek Li and award-winning sommeliers Carlito Chiu and Anty Fung, covering six categories: red wine, white wine, sake and rice wine, whisky, Chinese baijiu, and other spirits. For the first time, Chiu and Li will host a dedicated sharing session on the public day, introducing selected wines and spirits and discussing market trends.
On the final day (7 November), the designated "Saturday Fiesta" zone will open to the public aged 18 or above, offering an opportunity to sample fine wines and spirits from around the world, join themed activities, and experience diverse drinking cultures. The public day will feature FIGARO AFTER HOURS – Where Music Meets Mixology, a cocktail and Cantopop-themed party combining DJ performances with cocktail culture. Regular admission is priced at HK$220 per ticket, with promotional tickets available until 6pm on 6 November at HK$128 through various channels. Pre-registration for public-day activities is available through the fair website: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkwinefair/en.
The HKTDC, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. It organizes international exhibitions, conferences, and business missions to create opportunities for companies, particularly SMEs, and provides market insights through research reports and digital news channels. For more information, visit www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
