- 50 events and conferences held during the Fair helped facilitate trade and business networking

- A lower duty rate for liquor, announced in the latest Policy Address, helps promote emerging Chinese baijiu to the international market

The 16th Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded yesterday. The three-day Fair attracted some 8,200 trade buyers from 61 countries and regions. Yesterday’s public day attracted some 10,000 visitors aged 18 and above, who enjoyed fine alcoholic beverages from around the world and participated in master classes, tasting sessions, and seminars in the Wine Fiesta zone. This reflects the Fair’s important role as a trade and promotional platform.

Sophia Chong, Deputy Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “This year's Fair has attracted more than 8,200 trade buyers. The number of buyers from some countries and regions increased, including ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, as well as Japan, Taiwan, Mainland China and more. Global buyers are keen to come to Hong Kong to participate in the Wine and Spirits Fair, promoting Hong Kong as a regional trading hub for wines and spirits.”

Ms Chong added: “The latest Policy Address announced a lower duty rate for liquor, which is expected to enhance the trade of high-end spirits. More than one quarter of exhibitors at the Fair brought spirits from around the world, including Chinese baijiu, whisky, vodka, brandy and more. We are glad to see that so many exhibitors and buyers interacted with each other, seizing the business opportunities brought about by the new policy.”

Importers, wholesalers, retailers and e-commerce buyers who attended the Fair included: Awin Barratt Siegel Wine Agencies from the United Kingdom; Grupo Alpom Importaciones SL from Spain; Le Clos (MMI) from the United Arab Emirates; ASC Fine Wine (Shanghai) Ltd, Beijing WJ E-Commerce Co, Ltd. and Vinehoo (Chongqing) Co. Ltd. from Mainland China; Mercian Corporation from Japan; Thevincsr from Korea; Luen Heng F&B Sdn Bhd from Malaysia; Wine Creek Pte Ltd. from Singapore; Thai Beverage Distribution Co Ltd from Thailand; Phu & EM Group from Vietnam and more.

Trading and marketing opportunities for spirits exhibitors

This year’s Fair showcased a wide selection of Chinese baijiu from various regions, including Moutai and Zhenjiu from Guizhou, Fenjiu from Shanxi and “Zhongmao” from Sichuan. Exhibitors are capitalising on the Government's reduction in liquor duty to expand their business opportunities.

Guizhou Jin Jiao Liquor Industry (Group) Co,. Ltd which specialises in high-end Chinese baijiu, reached a strategic agreement with Hong Kong distributor Wines up Shoppers Group. Guizhou Jin Jiao Liquor’s CEO Xu Xinzhou said that the anticipated collaboration amount is expected to reach at least RMB10 million in one year, helping the company expand its overseas market. Matthew Lun, CEO from Wines up Shoppers, said, “Chinese baijiu holds significant potential in the global Chinese market. We plan to capitalise on the Government’s recent reduction in liquor tax to tap into this market and promote Chinese baijiu, a traditional cultural product, throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.” Guizhou Jin Jiao also identified another Hong Kong buyer through the Fair, aiming to distribute its baijiu in Hong Kong.

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