Vinexpo Asia is set to make a triumphant return to Hong Kong from May 28 to 30, 2024, marking the first time the prestigious wine and spirits trade exhibition has been held in the city since the onset of the pandemic.
Held at the iconic Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), this year’s event promises to be a landmark occasion for the global wine and spirits industry, attracting over 10,000 trade visitors and featuring 1,032 producers from around the world.
A Milestone Event
Organizers of Vinexpo Asia are heralding this year’s fair as a significant milestone. The return to Hong Kong underscores the city’s resilience and its strategic importance in the global wine trade. Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of the Vinexposium group, expressed his enthusiasm for the event: “We are honoured to be returning to Hong Kong, with its diverse and inclusive culture, favourable business and trading environment, and enormous opportunities as the gateway to the Greater Bay Area, China, and the fast-growing Asian markets including Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia.”
Global Participation
Vinexpo Asia 2024 is set to welcome more than 10,000 trade visitors from 60 countries, including importers, wholesalers, distributors, wine merchants, retailers, hoteliers, and restaurateurs. This diverse group of attendees highlights the event’s global reach and its pivotal role in connecting the world's wine and spirits community.
The exhibition will feature approximately 1,032 producers from 35 countries. Representing the ‘New World’ are countries like Australia, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand, and the United States, while Europe’s finest will be showcased by France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Germany, and Switzerland. This extensive international representation ensures that attendees will have access to a wide array of wine and spirits, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
Educational and Networking Opportunities
Vinexpo Asia’s comprehensive programme includes 50 masterclasses, conferences, and tastings, designed to address the evolving challenges of the industry. A total of 75 experts will share their insights across more than 50 sessions over the three days, providing attendees with invaluable knowledge and networking opportunities.
Highlights of the programme include:
- Panel Discussion on Consumer Trends: Rob Temple, managing director of Sinowine, will lead a discussion on consumer trends, challenges, and opportunities for the industry in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area on May 28.
- Château Angelus 2022 Unveiling: On May 29, Hubert de Boüard de Laforest and Stéphanie de Boüard-Rivoal will present the Château Angelus 2022, a wine with a nearly 250-year history.
- Bordeaux Wine Masterclass: Jennifer Docherty MW, based in Hong Kong, will host a masterclass featuring a selection of Bordeaux wines, including one white and four left-bank reds that are ready to drink now.
- Roundtable with Industry Titans: Key opinion leaders from ASC Fine Wines, Wajiu, and other industry giants will discuss the current dynamics and future directions of China’s wine market on May 29.
Spirits Sessions
In addition to wine, the exhibition will also delve into the world of spirits with sessions such as:
- Understanding Agave Spirits: Exploring the origins of Tequila and Mezcal.
- Saké & Food: A masterclass on pairing Saké with various foods, highlighting its versatility.
- Status Spirits: A discussion on whether the popularity of high-end spirits represents perpetual progress or a market bubble.
Conclusion
Vinexpo Asia 2024 promises to be an extraordinary event, marking a new chapter in the post-pandemic era for the wine and spirits industry. With its return to Hong Kong, the exhibition not only reaffirms the city’s status as a global trading hub but also provides a vital platform for industry professionals to connect, learn, and explore new opportunities.