The 18th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded on 7 November with more than 8,200 trade buyers from 66 countries and regions, underscoring the city's enduring appeal as a global trading hub for wine and spirits. The three-day event featured over 620 exhibitors from more than 25 countries and regions, representing more than 40 origins, and welcomed over 11,000 public visitors on its final day.
The fair's significance extends beyond transaction volume. It serves as a strategic platform for Chinese baijiu producers seeking to internationalise, with the top 10 Chinese baijiu brands participating. Lv Furong, President of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Sichuan Council (CCPIT Sichuan), said the fair is a key springboard to take Sichuan baijiu to global markets. The council signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the HKTDC to strengthen the international promotion and market development of Chinese baijiu, leveraging Hong Kong's strengths as an international trading platform.
Chinese wines also drew growing international attention, with regions such as Xinjiang, Ningxia and Xizang showcasing their terroirs. 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 interest from high-end buyers, setting a first-year sales target of HK$500,000 in the Hong Kong and Macao markets.
The fair's World of Spirits zone returned on a larger scale, featuring exhibitors from 17 countries and regions across all eight major spirits categories. Australia's Investment NSW led a delegation of five craft spirits companies for the first time, with Export Adviser Chris Dennis citing Hong Kong's duty reduction on high-end spirits as creating an excellent business environment. Garage22, a Czech distillery, secured orders on the first day and connected with around 20 buyers.
Buyers also reported strong sourcing results. Mike Bailey of UAE-based The Bottle Store expects to conclude orders worth up to US$100,000 with an Australian exhibitor and identified Italian grappa and amaro suited to the Middle East market. The fair also highlighted product innovation, including low- and no-alcohol beverages and WineTech. The Tech for the Wine & Spirits Industry Forum explored how AI and digital technologies are reshaping the sector.
Hong Kong's role as a two-way investment and business hub is reinforced by the HKTDC's year-round efforts, including international exhibitions and conferences that connect SMEs with global markets. The fair's hybrid EXHIBITION+ format extended business opportunities beyond the physical event, with online matching available until 14 November 2026. For more information on the fair, visit the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair website. The original release is available on www.newmediawire.com.
