Hong Kong Wine & Spirits Fair Returns with Expanded World of Spirits and Top Baijiu Brands

The 18th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, organised 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. In her remarks, Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of the HKTDC, highlighted Hong Kong's free-port status, world-class logistics and unique role connecting the Chinese Mainland with global markets. She noted that the recent reduction in liquor duty has further boosted the sector, enabling the expansion of the World of Spirits zone, which now features exhibitors from 16 countries and regions, including first-time participants from Mexico, Portugal, Slovakia and the United Kingdom. The zone covers the world's eight major spirit categories, with highlights such as King Barley Single Malt Whisky from Czechia and Legenda Cherry Spiced Rum from Slovakia.

A major focus this year is the internationalisation of Chinese baijiu. The “Top 10 Chinese Baijiu Brands,” including Kweichow Moutai and Yanghe, are converging at the fair to accelerate baijiu's global expansion, rejuvenation and diversification. A new interactive installation will showcase baijiu's traditional craftsmanship and cultural heritage, while a seminar titled “Chinese Baijiu Go Global” will explore opportunities and challenges in overseas markets. Xiantan Distillery, a multiple IWSC gold medal winner, is actively targeting younger consumers with a 39% ABV version and 100ml mini-bottles, and sees Southeast Asia and Europe as key markets. The wine section also features emerging regions, with first-time pavilions from Georgia and Italy's Calabria, alongside Chinese wines from Xinjiang, Ningxia and Xizang, such as Pazhu Rigang 3675 and Sundyard Private Collection Five-Star Dry Red Wine.

Beyond tastings, the fair will host over 40 events, including masterclasses led by Masters of Wine Debra Meiburg, Bill Liu and Jennifer Docherty, and the return of “Sommeliers' Picks” with Master Sommelier Derek Li. Cocktail culture is a strong theme, with a sharing session hosted by 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 7 November for visitors aged 18 or above, with tickets at HK$220 and a promotional price of HK$128 available until 6 November. The fair reinforces Hong Kong's position as a 'super connector' and 'super value-adder' for the industry.