Southeast Asian Buyers Flock Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair

Hong Kong's premier wine and spirits fair recently attracted nearly 10,000 enthusiasts, mostly coming from Southeast Asia and other emerging markets.

An annual event organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 15th edition of the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

From November 3-5, the event, which is considered the most important wine trade fair in the city, featured over 500 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions.

It highlighted Chinese wines, particularly those from Sichuan, Ningxia and Xinjiang, which have grown in popularity over the recent years. Chinese Master Sommelier Lu Yang also held a talk discussing wine market opportunities in China and Asia.

According to the HKTDC, the fair drew some 7,000 buyers from 49 countries and regions, including those from South Korea, mainland China, Taiwan, Indonesia and Malaysia.

Several renowned importers, wholesalers, retailers and e-tailers also participated, including China's JD.com, PT. Pantja Artha Niaga from Indonesia, Royal of Japan Ltd, NARA CELLAR from South Korea, Malaysia-based Albert International Wines & Spirits, Singapore's KOT Selections, Rose & Young Hunters Global from Taiwan, Thai supermarket giant Central Food Retail Company, Abu Dhabi-based African + Eastern and Red Apron Fine Wines & Spirits from Vietnam.

Moreover, on Public Day, around 9,000 visitors joined wine tastings and attended masterclasses and seminars.

Earlier in January, the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair returned as a special fully in-person event two years after it paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hong Kong's wine exports saw a 77% year-on-year rise to HK$1.6 billion (US$204 million) in 2021. In the same year, wine imports also saw 41% growth to HK$10.6 billion (US$1.3 billion) compared to the previous year.