The 18th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will take place from 5 to 7 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, bringing together more than 620 exhibitors from over 25 countries and regions. The fair showcases wines, spirits, sake, beer, low- and no-alcohol beverages, and related products from over 40 places of origin, reinforcing Hong Kong's position as an international wine and spirits trading hub.
The expansion of the World of Spirits zone is a key highlight this year, driven by the recent reduction in liquor duty and growing market demand. The zone features spirit exhibitors from 16 countries and regions, including first-time participation from Mexico, Portugal, Slovakia, and the United Kingdom. It covers the world's eight major spirit categories—baijiu, whisky, vodka, rum, tequila, brandy, gin, and soju—offering buyers a comprehensive platform to discover premium spirits.
A major development is the convergence of the "Top 10 Chinese Baijiu Brands," including renowned names such as Kweichow Moutai and Yanghe. These producers are leveraging Hong Kong's unique position as an international trading hub to accelerate baijiu's global expansion, rejuvenation, and diversification. The fair will also debut an interactive installation combining culture and technology to showcase traditional baijiu craftsmanship and the heritage of the classic text Jiudian. A seminar titled "Chinese Baijiu Go Global" will bring industry experts together to discuss opportunities and challenges in overseas markets.
Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of the HKTDC, said the fair demonstrates Hong Kong's dual roles of "bringing in and going global" and its position as a "super connector" between the Chinese Mainland and global markets. She noted that Hong Kong's free-port status, world-class logistics, and free flow of capital make it a strategic base for wine and spirits businesses expanding across Asia.
The fair also highlights emerging wine regions, with first-time pavilions from Georgia and Italy's Calabria region. Chinese wines from Xinjiang, Ningxia, and Xizang are gaining recognition, showcasing the diversity and quality of the mainland's wine industry. Local Hong Kong brands are also featured, blending traditional techniques with innovative flavors, such as Quadran Gin Salty Lime London Dry Gin inspired by the local drink "Salted Lemon 7-Up."
Low- and no-alcohol beverages are gaining momentum, with products like Neon Tiger Real Fruit Soda offering healthier options. The fair will host over 40 events, including masterclasses by Masters of Wine and the return of "Sommeliers' Picks." A strong emphasis on cocktail culture will feature sessions with actress Bernice Liu and representatives from Asia's leading bars, including Bar Leone, named No. 1 on the World's 50 Best Bars list in 2025 and 2026.
The public zone, Saturday Fiesta, opens on the final day, 7 November, to visitors aged 18 or above, with tickets at HK$220 and a promotional offer of HK$128 available until 6pm on 6 November through designated platforms. Visitors can sample and purchase wines and spirits and participate in thematic activities. For more details, visit the fair's website at https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkwinefair/en.
The HKTDC, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub through international exhibitions, conferences, and business missions. It also provides market insights via research reports and digital news channels. The original release is available on www.newmediawire.com.
