The 17th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, featuring over 620 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions across a three-day run from November 6-8. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), this year's event introduces the debut "World of Spirits" zone, reflecting market diversification and Hong Kong's strategic position as a regional trade hub following last year's liquor duty reduction announcement in the Policy Address.
The newly launched spirits zone features products from 14 countries and regions, with strong representation from Chinese baijiu brands including six of the "Top 10 Chinese Baijiu Brands" such as Kweichow Moutai, Jiangsu Yanghe, Wuliangye, Luzhou Laojiao, Jiannanchun and Langjiu from Sichuan. Local Hong Kong brands also feature prominently, including Hongjiaban Baijiu founded by actor Timmy Hung and Kowloon Distillery, Hong Kong's first local whiskey brand. The fair includes 18 national and regional pavilions, reinforcing Hong Kong's position in the global wine and spirits trade.
Industry expertise takes center stage with Masters of Wine Debra Meiburg, Jennifer Docherty, and Xing Wei hosting key events. Xing Wei, Asia's youngest Master of Wine, joined award-winning sommeliers Carlito Chiu and Calvin Choi in a blind tasting event selecting preferred beverages across multiple categories. Their selections provide reference points for both industry professionals and the public, with chosen products receiving special labeling at the fair. Selected wines and spirits include Portuguese red wine PORTA da RAVESSA OLD VINEYARDS RED from Adega de Redondo, French white wine Château Plain Point from The Wine Cave Co.Ltd, and Australian Solera Muscat Cask Single Malt Whisky from SPRING BAY DISTILLERY.
Over 40 events and conferences will explore market trends, with 20 focused specifically on spirits. Key sessions include the "Originate from China • Sail to the World 2025 China Baijiu Culture International Promotion Asia Forum" co-organized by the China Alcoholic Drinks Association and HKTDC, "Tasmanian Whisky & Spirits Master Class" organized by Australia China Business Council, and "Baijiu – The Rising Trend" by Tomy Fong. The Baijiu Experience Zone introduces different aroma types of Chinese baijiu through sensory experiences, highlighting the category's growing international appeal.
On the final day, the Wine Fiesta zone opens to ticket-holding public aged 18 or above, featuring sampling opportunities, educational sessions including "Baijiu 101 Class" organized by VTC, and various pairing workshops. Mixology demonstrations will showcase bartenders from bars listed in "Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025," while multiple awards ceremonies recognize industry excellence including the Cathay Global Wine and Spirits Awards Asia and Hong Kong International Spirits Challenge Awards. Ticket information and event details are available through the official website at https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkwinefair/en.
The fair's expanded spirits focus and public accessibility demonstrate Hong Kong's evolving beverage market dynamics, providing both trade professionals and consumers access to global products and trends while supporting the city's economic diversification efforts in the post-duty reduction environment.
