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Hong KongJune 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The 2026 edition of Vinexpo Asia, held successfully from May 26 to 28, further solidified Hong Kong’s position as a core trading platform for wine and spirits in the Asia-Pacific region. This year’s event attracted 14,273 industry professionals from 76 markets (compared to 59 markets in 2024), and 38 producer countries (compared to 35 in 2024), clearly demonstrating that international producers continue to intensify their focus on the Asian market amid challenging global geopolitical and economic conditions.
Vinexpo Asia 2026 Hong Kong
Since its inaugural edition in Hong Kong in 1998, Vinexpo Asia once again received strong support from local key institutions such as the Hong Kong Tourism Board, and the opening ceremony was officiated by the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The Be Spirits and Be No zones made their debut in Hong Kong, reflecting the evolving consumption patterns in Asia. Notably, the number of exhibitors in the Be Spirits zone tripled, while non-alcoholic products accounted for one-tenth of the total products showcased by exhibitors.
Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium, stated: “Through Vinexpo Asia, Vinexposium has further strengthened its roots in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is a vital gateway to Greater China, a region that is both a traditional and a key future market for the wine and spirits industry. This edition reflects our ongoing connection with Asia and embodies our vision: to make Hong Kong a long-term meeting point between international producers, local stakeholders, and the Asia-Pacific region.”
Hong Kong: A Key Trading Hub in Asia-Pacific
This year marks the tenth time Vinexpo Asia has been held in Hong Kong since its inception in 1998, highlighting the event’s deep roots in the city and its role as a core networking platform for industry professionals in Asia-Pacific and Greater China.
This regional status is further underscored by strong official support. Attendees included: Dr. Bernard Chan, Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong SAR, H.E. Mr. Bertrand Lortholary, French Ambassador to China, H.E. Mr. Harvey Rouse, Head of the European Union Office to Hong Kong, 25 Consuls General and Trade Advisors from 18 countries, and representatives from various international chambers of commerce.
Dr. Bernard Chan, Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong SAR, stated in his opening address at Vinexpo Asia: “Hong Kong, as a ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’, possesses unique advantages in connecting Mainland China with international markets. Beyond policies and infrastructure, what truly defines Hong Kong is our dynamism, openness to new ideas, and our ability to bridge East and West as a vibrant hub for gastronomy and wine.”
Vinexpo Asia once again demonstrated strong regional appeal: 75% of attendees came from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Macau, as well as mature markets like Japan and South Korea; participation from Southeast Asian markets such as Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam also increased. Furthermore, thanks to Vinexposium’s expanding network of trade partners, a total of 28 local and regional associations participated this year (compared to 19 in 2024), further enhancing the event’s reach to importers, distributors, and sommeliers across key Asian markets.
Strong Commitment from International Producers Confirms Asia’s Appeal
Despite pressures in the global economic and trade environment, international participation at this year’s Vinexpo Asia still grew: the number of producer countries increased from 35 in 2024 to 38 this year, reflecting producers’ determination to remain active and consolidate their commercial positions in the Asian market. In addition to major wine and spirits producing countries, this year’s event welcomed a group of new producers from markets with historically lower participation. A total of nine countries exhibited for the first time: Austria, Belgium, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Moldova, Slovakia, Tunisia, Uruguay.
Several regional and national pavilions further enriched the geographical diversity of the exhibits, with the most representative including: France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, the US states of California and Oregon, Portugal’s Tejo region, and Spain’s Castilla y León.
Grace Ghazalé, International Exhibition Director at Vinexposium, stated: “This edition of Vinexpo Asia showcased the enduring appeal of the Asian market for global producers. The increase in the number of international exhibitors proves that, even amidst a complex global economic and trade environment, the industry views Asia as a strategic market. Vinexpo Asia fully leveraged its role as a concrete networking platform, helping industry professionals build connections, gain insights into regional dynamics, and explore new opportunities.”
Be Spirits and Be No Zones Address Diversifying Asian Consumption Patterns
The Be Spirits zone showed strong growth momentum, reflecting the gradual diversification of the Asian wine and spirits market. This year, the zone brought together 105 exhibitors from 18 countries (compared to 13 countries in 2024), with international exhibitors accounting for 89% (compared to 63% in the previous edition).
The Be Spirits zone focuses on spirits, beer, cider, sake, and mixology, aligning with the rise of premium categories and the evolving consumption habits across different Asian markets—characterized by consumers’ increasing demand for innovation, authenticity, and premiumization.
This year, the Be Spirits zone welcomed three new international pavilions: Australia, Japan, South Korea, reflecting the strong international growth of Be Spirits.
Carolyn Etherington, representative of the Australian Trade and Investment Commission, stated: “We chose to participate in the Be Spirits zone at Vinexpo Asia in Hong Kong because the city offers an ideal strategic location. Hong Kong is at the heart of our key target markets, boasts a highly fashionable bar culture, and is the best city to launch our products.”
The Academy hosted a total of 25 masterclasses and seminars, with dedicated content focusing on Be Spirits, including a panel discussion organized by NielsenIQ titled “Asian Bartenders: Reshaping Global On-Trade Trends,” which brought together on-trade experts and top bartenders to explore how consumer insights are reshaping bar experiences and brand strategies in the on-trade channel.
On the other hand, while the Be No zone is still in its early stages, it has already confirmed the increasing visibility of non-alcoholic products in Asia: non-alcoholic products accounted for one-tenth of the product categories showcased by exhibitors.
Vinexposium Launches New Strategic Cycle in Asia
Building on nearly three decades of presence in Asia, Vinexposium is now planning the next phase of development for Vinexpo Asia, aiming to provide international exhibitors and Asia-Pacific industry professionals with a clearer, more stable, and long-term valuable platform.
Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium, stated: “The market is calling for greater stability. Starting from 2027, our goal is to transform Vinexpo Asia into an annual event with a single Asian hub, aligning with our clients’ needs and the long-term development of the industry.”
For more information, please visit the Vinexpo Asia official website and media zone
Click here to browse images from the 2026 edition
About VINEXPO ASIA:
Vinexpo Asia is a premier event exclusively for wine and spirits industry professionals, offering exclusive access to key business stakeholders in the Asia-Pacific region. Rotating between the two commercial hubs of Singapore and Hong Kong, it serves as a strategic platform to help the industry build networks, discover innovative products, and explore business opportunities in one of the world’s most dynamic markets.
About Vinexposium:
Vinexposium is the year-round premier partner for the global wine and spirits industry. Through flagship international events and editorial content including Voice of the Industry, Vinexposium unites the entire industry, driving business growth and deepening market knowledge. By fostering connections and sharing strategic insights, Vinexposium supports the global industry in addressing major challenges such as innovation, sustainability, and shifting consumer expectations.
Issued by GHC Asia on behalf of VINEXPO ASIA