The 18th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded on November 7 after three days that drew more than 8,200 trade buyers from 66 countries and regions, according to the NEWMEDIAWIRE release. More than 620 exhibitors from over 25 countries and regions showcased wine, spirits, sake, beer, and low- and no-alcohol beverages from over 40 origins. The public day attracted over 11,000 visitors aged 18 or above, creating what organisers described as a vibrant atmosphere throughout the venue.
The fair's importance lies in its dual role: it is a gateway for international producers seeking Asian distribution and a springboard for Chinese wine and spirits brands moving overseas. Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), said the event demonstrates Hong Kong's strengths as an international trading platform, helping Chinese Mainland enterprises and brands expand beyond their home market and capture opportunities across Asia and globally. The fair featured the top 10 Chinese baijiu brands alongside new wine-producing regions and a WineTech zone, reflecting increasing diversification in the market.
The World of Spirits zone returned on a larger scale, bringing together spirits exhibitors from 17 countries and regions representing all eight major spirits categories. Australia's Investment NSW led five craft spirits companies to the fair for the first time. Chris Dennis, Export Adviser at Investment NSW, cited Hong Kong's reduction in duty on high-end spirits as creating an excellent business environment and said the fair helped connect with importers and distributors from the Chinese Mainland, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Sweden, Germany and Jamaica. Garage22, a Prague craft distillery, secured orders on the first day and connected with around 20 buyers from the Chinese Mainland, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines.
China's wine and spirits industry used the fair to accelerate international expansion. The CCPIT Sichuan Council, participating for the fourth consecutive year, highlighted innovative low-alcohol baijiu and fruit-aroma baijiu tailored to younger consumers, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the HKTDC to strengthen international promotion of Chinese baijiu. Lv Furong, President of CCPIT Sichuan, said buyer response was overwhelmingly positive, with connections made in India, Vietnam, Dubai and Australia. Chinese wines from Xinjiang, Ningxia and Xizang also drew overseas buyers. Bobo Ng of Hong Kong Canton Wilson International Investment Trading Company, representing Pazhu Vineyard in Xizang, reported on-site sales exceeding HK$10,000 and a first-year sales target of HK$500,000 in the Hong Kong and Macao markets.
The fair also underscored the rise of low- and no-alcohol beverages and cocktail culture. More than 40 events were held, including masterclasses led by four Masters of Wine and the inaugural Sommelier's Picks Sharing Session. The HKTDC's EXHIBITION+ hybrid format extends business matching through the Click2Match platform until November 14, 2026. Full details are available on the fair website, and the HKTDC's global network of offices supports international exhibitions and conferences that connect SMEs with global markets.
