“…Over the course of three remarkable days from 6 to 8 November 2025, the 17th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), once again reaffirmed Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s leading wine and spirits trading hub. The event attracted over 8,200 trade buyers from 57 countries and regions, while the lively “Wine Fiesta” zone welcomed more than 11,000 members of the public, who indulged in exquisite wine tastings and engaging masterclasses throughout the fair…”
This year, HKTDC further elevated the business connectivity experience with its EXHIBITION+ Hybrid Mode, enabling seamless networking between buyers and exhibitors. Through technologies such as Scan2Match and Click2Match, participants were able to continue business discussions both onsite and online until 15 November.
“We are delighted to have welcomed over 620 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions, spanning from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan to Europe, the Americas, and Southeast Asia. Each showcased their finest wines and spirits from diverse origins, highlighting the richness and global evolution of the industry,”
Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC
One of the most anticipated highlights of this year’s edition was the debut of the “World of Spirits” zone, a new concept that responded to the growing global demand for diverse alcoholic beverages. The area featured more than one-third of all exhibitors, presenting spirits from 14 countries and regions, including whisky, brandy, gin, tequila, and China’s iconic baijiu, represented by six of the “Top 10 Chinese Baijiu Brands.”
Among the standouts was Luzhou Laojiao from Sichuan, which unveiled its latest creation, “Guojiao 1573 · Beautiful Hong Kong.” The design of the bottle paid homage to the city’s iconic landmarks, symbolising a fusion of culture and craftsmanship. The brand has also successfully captured younger demographics by offering lighter varieties and contemporary branding. Meanwhile, Zhejiang Yuanguo Winery Industry reported connecting with more than 50 buyers from across the globe, underscoring the potential of Chinese spirits to expand into international markets.
Beyond Chinese baijiu, the fair offered a global journey through taste, from Japanese sake and Irish whiskey to Russian vodka and Austrian wine, enabling participants to explore a world of flavours while fostering cross-cultural connections. Delegates from Australia and Israel expressed great satisfaction with the fair’s outcomes, noting strong interest from Asian buyers and the promising prospects of market growth across the region. Local Hong Kong brands also made an impressive impact. MLW Whiskey Highball, known for its low-alcohol (6% ABV) beverages, has expanded into Japan and is now in talks with distributors in Macau and other Asian markets. The brand’s success reflects the growing appeal of Hong Kong-made products that cater to evolving consumer lifestyles and preferences.
A key intellectual attraction at the fair was its programme of 45 seminars and workshops, featuring some of the world’s most respected Masters of Wine, Debra Meiburg, Jennifer Docherty, and Xing Wei. Highlights included Meiburg’s thought-provoking talk “AI in Wine Business,” which explored how technology is transforming the industry, and Docherty’s “Off the Beaten Path, Gems from Unsung Regions,” which introduced wines from lesser-known yet emerging origins. Xing Wei also led “Savour the Wines of Chinese Terroir,” an immersive tasting that deepened appreciation for Mainland China’s growing viticulture.
The fair’s Blind Tasting event drew wide attention, with 17 wines and spirits handpicked by industry experts, including Hong Kong’s very own Kowloon Distillery, the city’s first local whisky brand. Its inclusion marked a proud milestone for the local spirits scene, highlighting the brand’s quality and growing international recognition.
The grand finale came with the “Wine Fiesta” on the public day, where enthusiasts from around the world gathered to celebrate the artistry of winemaking. The evening “Mixology Party” brought together top bartenders from Hong Kong, Indonesia, and South Korea, including those from bars listed in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025, delivering an energetic and memorable close to the event.
With its dynamic blend of trade, innovation, and cultural exchange, the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair 2025 was far more than a showcase of fine wines and premium spirits. It was a celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and connection, reaffirming Hong Kong’s role as a vibrant gateway where East meets West, and where the world’s most refined flavours converge and flourish.
