Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair Opens with Focus on Spirits Diversity and Chinese Baijiu

The Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, running through November 8 with over 620 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, this year's event introduces the World of Spirits zone featuring products from 14 countries and regions, with spirits representing over 30% of exhibitors and nearly half of all activities.

The new spirits zone reflects market diversification and follows last year's Policy Address announcement of reduced liquor duty by the Chief Executive. Six of the Top 10 Chinese Baijiu Brands are exhibiting, including Kweichow Moutai, Jiangsu Yanghe, Wuliangye, Luzhou Laojiao, Jiannanchun and Langjiu from Sichuan. The zone also features Hong Kong actor Timmy Hung's Hongjiaban Baijiu and Kowloon Distillery, Hong Kong's first local whiskey brand, demonstrating the innovative and international evolution of Chinese spirits.

Industry experts including Asia's youngest Master of Wine Xing Wei joined award-winning sommeliers Carlito Chiu and Calvin Choi in a blind tasting event to select their favorite beverages across multiple categories. Their selections provide reference points for both industry professionals and the public, with special labels affixed to the chosen products at the fair. The selected wines and spirits include Portuguese red wine PORTA da RAVESSA OLD VINEYARDS RED from Adega de Redondo, Chinese wines from Xinjiang Silk Road Vineyards, French white wine Château Plain Point from The Wine Cave Co.Ltd, and multiple Chinese baijiu selections from companies including Sichuan Liben Wine Co.,Ltd and Fujian Guotai Liquor Co.,Ltd.

Over 40 events and conferences will be held during the three-day fair, with 20 focused specifically on spirits. Key sessions include the Originate from China • Sail to the World 2025 China Baijiu Culture International Promotion Asia Forum co-organized by the China Alcoholic Drinks Association and HKTDC, Tasmanian Whisky & Spirits Master Class organized by Australia China Business Council, and Baijiu – The Rising Trend by Tomy Fong. The Baijiu Experience Zone introduces different aroma types of Chinese baijiu through sensory experiences, highlighting the category's growing international appeal.

Masters of Wine are hosting several key sessions throughout the event. Debra Meiburg is presenting at the Cathay Global Wine & Spirits Awards Asia – Award Presentation Ceremony and Wine Industry Conference: AI in Wine Business, while Jennifer Docherty hosts Off The Beaten Path, Gems From Unsung Regions and Xing Wei presents Savour the Wines of Chinese Terroir. These sessions provide valuable insights into market trends and emerging opportunities in the global beverage industry.

On the final day, the Wine Fiesta zone opens to ticket-holding members of the public aged 18 or above. Visitors can sample and purchase wines and spirits, including some products not yet available on the market. Public activities include the Baijiu 101 Class organized by VTC, Austrian Wine and Local Sauce Pairing Workshop hosted by Debra Meiburg, Take on a Wine-pairing Experience with Carlito, When Sake Meets Chinese Cuisine led by Menex Cheung, Executive Chef of China Tang Landmark, and a Mixology Party featuring bartenders from bars listed in Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025.

Several competitions and awards ceremonies are scheduled throughout the fair, including the Cathay Global Wine and Spirits Awards Asia, Hong Kong International Mixology Showdown 2025, WINE LUXE Hong Kong TOP 10 Wine Pairing Restaurant Awards, and 2025 Hong Kong International Spirits Challenge Awards Ceremony by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Wine & Spirits. The TASTING TRENDIES Sake Awards TTSA & Spirits Challenge TTSC Awards Ceremony 2025 concludes the event on the final day.

Advance tickets for the public day are available until 6pm on November 7 through various platforms including CTG Bus, GoByBus, HK Liquor Store, and Trip.com. The fair reinforces Hong Kong's position as a regional hub for the wine and spirits trade while providing opportunities for industry networking, consumer education, and business development across global beverage markets.