Hong Kong to be exclusive host of Vinexpo Asia trade fair for next 5 years

Hong Kong will be the exclusive host of Vinexpo Asia from 2027 to 2031, ending the international wine and spirits trade exhibition’s rotation with Singapore.

The organiser of the fair, Vinexposium, confirmed its five-year commitment to the city on Friday, signing a memorandum of understanding with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB).

HKTB chairman Peter Lam Kin-ngok called the strategic partnership a milestone that underscored a commitment to strengthen Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s leading destination for wine, spirits and culinary experiences.

“[Vinexposium’s] commitment is a powerful endorsement of Hong Kong’s unique advantage as an international trade centre, a superconnector between east and west and one of the world’s leading destinations for wine events,” Lam said.

“More importantly, it shows the confidence that global business and event organisers continue to place in Hong Kong.”

Lam added that the new collaboration aimed to draw more high-value visitors to the city.

Fabien Robert, a deputy mayor of the world-renowned wine-producing region of Bordeaux, was in Hong Kong to witness the signing of the deal as a representative of the region’s chamber of commerce and industry.

“It’s not a simple thing. It’s a long-term vision and long-term commitment,” he said, describing the new commitment as a marker of the stability and continuity that are essential in business.

Deborah Sanchez, Vinexposium’s overseas events director, said that after a few demanding years, she observed “strong, encouraging signs of recovery” in Hong Kong and a stabilisation of the mainland Chinese market.

“Seeing this momentum, we made a clear and decisive choice for the future: Vinexpo Asia will take place from June 8 to 10, 2027. And from now on, Hong Kong is our permanent annual home,” she said.

“By establishing Vinexpo Asia here as an annual, permanent gathering, we are giving our exhibitors and international buyers a clear, reliable anchor to plan ahead, invest and grow together.”

The most recent edition of Vinexpo Asia was held at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in May.

It welcomed 14,273 professional participants from 76 markets, alongside 1,192 exhibitors from 38 countries and regions and facilitated 4,241 pre-booked meetings, bringing businesses, buyers and decision-makers together, Sanchez said.

“These results are not simply statistics. They reflect the confidence that the industry places in Vinexpo Asia, and the role that Hong Kong continues to play as a place where international business, knowledge and relationships converge,” she added.

According to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the city imported wine worth HK$4.7 billion in the first eight months of this year, marking a 16.2 per cent growth, with re-exports up eight per cent increase to HK$1.1 billion.