Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair Expands with Inaugural World of Spirits Zone

The 17th edition of the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), will be held on 6-8 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year's event features over 620 exhibitors from 21 countries and regions showcasing beer, sake, spirits, wines, and low- and non-alcoholic beverages to industry professionals and buyers. The significant increase in Chinese baijiu exhibitors and the debut of the World of Spirits zone underscore Hong Kong's evolving role as a comprehensive hub for the global wine and spirits trade.

The inaugural World of Spirits zone features spirits from 13 countries and regions, including Chinese baijiu, brandy, gin, rum, tequila, vodka, and whisky. This expansion responds to growing market demand for spirits and leverages opportunities created by the HKSAR government's reduction in liquor duty announced in last year's Policy Address. Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC, noted that the duty reduction has encouraged diversified development in the spirits market, with the new zone allowing buyers to explore global spirit varieties. Approximately 20 activities will further promote market diversity.

Chinese baijiu represents a major highlight of the fair, with six of the Top 10 Chinese Baijiu Brands participating, including Kweichow Moutai, Jiangsu Yanghe, Wuliangye, Luzhou Laojiao, Jiannanchun, and Langjiu from Sichuan. Kweichow Moutai will showcase its iconic Flying Fairy Moutai and award-winning Golden Prince Moutai Prince, recognized as a 2024 Annual Golden Case in Activity Marketing. Luzhou Laojiao, inscribed in the First National Intangible Cultural Heritage List of China, will present Luzhou Laojiao Antique Edition and Guojiao 1573, while launching a new baijiu on the fair's opening day. Wuliangye and Yanghe demonstrate the trend of integrating innovative technologies to target younger and more diverse markets.

International participation spans Argentina, Australia, Belarus, Brazil, Chile, Czechia, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Portugal, Russia, South Korea, Spain, and the United States. Notable offerings include Austria's Martin & Ann Arndorfer Anina Verde, a top-tier Austrian natural wine, Italy's Don Carlo with its unique three-year brewing process, and Japan's Hyakusyun Junmai Daiginjo using locally grown Mino Nishiki sake rice cultivated through natural farming methods. With rising demand for low-alcohol beverages, Estonian craft cocktail brand Punch Club OÜ specializes in organic, low-sugar, ready-to-drink cocktails for health-conscious consumers.

Nearly half of the fair's activities focus on spirits, including the 2025 China Baijiu Culture International Promotion Asia Forum co-hosted by the China Alcoholic Drinks Association and HKTDC on 6 November. The 2025 Hong Kong International Spirits Challenge Awards Ceremony on 7 November, organized by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Wine & Spirits, will honor outstanding Chinese baijiu brands. Tomy Fong, Experienced Chinese Baijiu Connoisseur, will present Baijiu – The Rising Trend to explore current market developments. The Baijiu 101 Class on the final day, organized by VTC, will allow public participants to experience baijiu culture and learn about its 12 aroma types.

Three Masters of Wine will host major events, including Debra Meiburg leading the Cathay Global Wine & Spirits Awards Asia Presentation Ceremony, Wine Industry Conference: AI in Wine Business, and Austrian Wine and Local Sauce Pairing Workshop. Jennifer Docherty will share insights in Off the beaten path, gems from unsung regions, while Xing Wei will host Tasting Chinese Terroir Wines and join Carlito Chiu and Calvin Choi in blind tasting sessions to select favorite wines and spirits as industry references. Additional competitions include HK Best Spirits Awards 2025, Hong Kong International Mixology Showdown 2025, and Mixology Party, alongside pairing events like WINE LUXE Hong Kong TOP 10 Wine Pairing Restaurant Awards Presentation Ceremony 2025 and Sake-Chinese Food Pairing.

On the final day, the Wine Fiesta Zone opens to public ticket holders aged 18 or above for sampling and purchasing wines and spirits, with regular tickets priced at HK$220 and specially priced tickets at HK$128 available through various platforms including CTG Bus, GoByBus, HK Liquor Store, HK01, HKGO, KKDay, KLOOK, lankwaifong.com, Trip.com, Winenow, Wai Shing Wine International CO., Ltd., and Trans-Island Chinalink. Ticket buyers receive a Lucaris crystal wine glass on a first-come, first-served basis. More information is available at https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkwinefair/en.