The Hong Kong International Wines & Spirits Fair, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), is back for its 15th edition. This exciting event will run from November 3 to 5 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Over 500 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions will gather to showcase a wide array of fine beverages from around the world, along with wine-related products and services.
The fair will kick off on November 3 and 4, exclusively catering to industry professionals and buyers. However, the spotlight falls on November 5, a Sunday when the fair opens its doors to the public. This offers wine lovers a unique opportunity to expand their knowledge and enjoy a diverse selection of wines from across the globe.
Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of HKTDC, believes that despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the wine industry holds great potential for continuous growth. Statista, a data portal, predicts that the global wine industry’s revenue will reach an impressive $333 billion this year, with annual sales growth expected at 5.52% from 2023 to 2027.
“Hong Kong serves as a crucial link to the wine and liquor market in Asia,” the deputy executive director said. “With the increasing purchasing power in Mainland China, many wine merchants are venturing into this substantial market. Numerous international wine companies have established operations in Hong Kong to capture business opportunities in Mainland China and worldwide. As an esteemed global trading platform for fine wine, the Wine & Spirits Fair offers significant opportunities to local, mainland, and international wine corporations.”
Mainland China’s wine sector is also on the rise, with a projected annual growth of 3.93% between 2023 and 2027, according to Statista. In a 2020 survey by HKTDC, it was revealed that mainland consumers are becoming increasingly knowledgeable about wine, with 25% of respondents claiming intermediate or advanced wine knowledge and 41% stating they enjoy wine at least once a week.
Hong Kong’s status as a duty-free port makes it a cost-effective and convenient distribution hub for storing investment-grade wines, catering to markets on demand. Mainland China and Macao, accounting for about 69% of wine exports last year, were the major destinations. In terms of value, Hong Kong wine exports surged by 45.1% in the past year.
The 15th Wine & Spirits Fair will showcase quality global wines, including old-world and new-world wines, wines and liquor from Mainland China and Japan, as well as whiskies and beers. Eleven group pavilions will feature products from Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mainland China, and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Wine & Spirits.
Highlighted products include:
Domaine Laureau Savennières Les Genêts 2018: Crafted through natural and organic methods, it boasts a robust scent of peaches and honey alongside a subtle minerality that can be detected on your palate.
Angel Champagne NV Brut Rose White: This exceptional wine boasts flavors of strawberries and a creamy texture, resulting in a well-balanced and silky taste. It received a prestigious gold medal at the Sommelier Wine Awards in the United Kingdom.
2023 Hither and Yon Fiano: Originating from Campania in southwestern Italy, this particular wine is renowned for its robust and refreshing flavor profile, featuring a moderate alcohol content of just 11%.
Xige N28 Chardonnay: Originating from the Ningxia Autonomous Region, the Chardonnay offers lively scents of tropical fruits like pineapple, melon, and grapefruit. Its delightful sweetness and creaminess come from aging in oak barrels. The wine maintains a well-balanced acidity and was served at a special dinner during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to China in April of this year.
The fair kicks off with an Opening Reception on the first night, featuring Paul Chan, the Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, as the Guest of Honor. On the first day, Wine Master Debra Meiburg will host the EcoVino: Sustainability Trends and Solutions Wine Industry Conference. This conference will explore sustainability trends and solutions with the input of experts, including a representative from the United Kingdom’s Sustainable Wine Roundtable.
On the second day, another Wine Industry Conference, titled Uncorking Opportunities: Mapping the China & Asian Wine Markets, will be held. This conference will feature Master Sommelier Yang Lu and industry elites discussing business opportunities in the region.
Throughout the event, various seminars and tasting sessions will delve into wine trends in different regions and markets, showcasing a diverse range of wines, sakes, whiskies, beers, and more, allowing participants to savor unique flavors.
Additionally, there will be prize-giving ceremonies for the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Wine and Spirit Competition 2023 and WineLuxe’s Top 10 Food & Wine Pairing Restaurant Awards on the first and second days, respectively. The Hong Kong Bartenders Association will also host the Hong Kong International Mixology Showdown 2023, themed “Artistic Elixir,” on the first day.
Public Day tickets are priced at HK$200, and special offers are available for members of the public. Ticket buyers will also receive a complimentary Lucaris crystal wine glass while supplies last.