Building off the success of Vinexpo’s return to Asia last year, industry professionals are gearing up to try wines and spirits from all around the world, as well as learn more about global industry trends.
Held 28-30 May in at HKCEC in Hong Kong, Vinexpo Asia is expecting to host 10,000 visitors across the three days, with 1300 producers from 40 countries on hand to showcase their products.
Between exhibitors and a rich and varied program of masterclasses, panels and award ceremonies, there’s plenty to see and do at Vinexpo Asia 2024. Check out what’s on offer below.
The exhibition
Of the 1300 producers showcasing their wines and spirits at Vinexpo Asia 2024, forty per cent will be from France. The other top represented nations are Italy, Spain, Australia, the US and China. All wine categories will be represented, and a broad range of spirits representation will include sake, whisky, mezcal, tequila, gin, vodka, baijiu, rum and Cognac. There will also be a dedicated area entitled Wow! Welcome to the Organic World, which will showcase organic and biodynamic products.
On the Australian front, 80 wineries and distilleries will be representing the nation to APAC’s retailers, wholesalers, hoteliers and more. Wine Australia will continue to have a large presence with 57 wineries/companies and five regions on the trade show floor, with a scale similar to the 2023 event. Australia’s First Families of Wine will have solid representation at the event, with the likes of d’Arenberg, Hill-Smith Family Estates, Howard Park Wines and Tyrrell’s Wines among those exhibiting. Other acclaimed Australian wineries showcasing their wines include Bunnamagoo Wines, De Bortoli Wines, Château Tanunda, Rieslingfreak and Wirra Wirra.
Vinexpo Academy program
Over the three days, a rich program of 55 different sessions will provide visitors with high-level education in a mix of formats – from masterclasses to roundtables and conferences.
Highlight educational sessions include a spotlight on Bordeaux wines to drink now; as well as masterclasses on Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the Napa Valley regions; plus selling your wine in a crowded market.
On the hospitality side, Lee Ko, director of beverage of Cordis in Hong Kong, and World Bartender of the Year at the 2023 IBA World Cocktail Championship will present on ‘Enhancing the Beverage Experience’. Hong Kong based Master of Wine Jennifer Docherty will run a masterclass on her favourite wine and canape pairings; while Master Sake Sommelier Janice Chi will discuss sake and food pairings.
There’s also a sommelier battle between Angela Allan from Onslow in Auckland and Nutawan Jumpanak from Antara Siam in Bangkok. Of particular interest to Australian visitors could be the panel discussion entitled ‘How Wine Clubs are Changing the Way We Drink’ – a phenomenon that’s only just starting to take root in Australia.
Trends that will be explored
There are a number of industry trends that will be explored throughout the three days at Vinexpo Asia. Here’s what’s expected to dominate:
- Health and wellbeing. Across APAC there’s an increased consumer interest in organic and lower-alcohol products. This is reflected in the WOW! Welcome to the Organic World section of the expo, as well as conference to be held on 28 May on NOLO products.
- Integration into culinary experiences. With social experiences and celebrations playing an increasingly important role in alcohol consumption across APAC, the sessions outlined above respond to this trend.
- A greater taste for craft spirits and cocktail innovation. The range of spirits on offer at the event will be evenly split between France and the rest of the world. From mezcal to baiju to brandy, a wide variety will be on offer.
With perspectives, products and experiences being shared by professionals from all over the world, there is plenty to discover at Vinexpo Asia 2024.