The 14th HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair opened today and continues for two days (10 and 11 January) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong said: “For the first time since its launch in 2008, the Wine & Spirits Fair is held in January to kick off the wine industry event season in 2023, offering plenty of opportunities for buyers and exhibitors to give their business a boost in the new year.  The fair features more than 100 local and international exhibitors, showcasing their fine wine, liquor, baijiu, beer, sake and other alcoholic beverages from around the world, including Argentina, Australia, Mainland China, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Scotland and the United States.  Local and international trade associations and government organisations participating in our fair with their own pavilions at the fairground, include the Hong Kong Wine and Spirits Association (HKWSA), Hong Kong General Chamber of Wine & Spirits (HKGCWS), Craft Beer Association of Hong Kong (CBAHK), Beverage and Food Community (BNFC), National Tax Agency Japan and Fukuoka Prefectural Government.”

According to the latest wine industry data from the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV), as of 2021, the mainland was the world’s seventh-largest wine consumer.  Hong Kong started its zero-wine duty policy in 2008 and has since become the first free wine port among major economies, boosting wine imports.  Hong Kong and the mainland also signed a cooperation agreement in 2010 to facilitate customs clearance for wine exported from Hong Kong to the mainland.  Since November 2017, these measures have been extended to every port in the 42 mainland Customs Districts, further fortifying Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s wine trading and distribution hub.  The value of Hong Kong’s wine exports for 2021 reached HK$1.595 billion (US$204 million), a 77% year-on-year rise.  Most exports in Hong Kong are re-exports of imported wines, with Asia the major market.  The mainland and Macao, which together accounted for nearly 66% of 2021 exports, are the major destinations for Hong Kong.  In addition, Hong Kong is the third-largest sake export market after the US and mainland.