Vinexpo Asia 2025 officially kicked off on Tuesday 27 May with exhibitors and international visitors gathering at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands to taste and discuss diverse wine and spirits from across the world.
The three-day premier event for industry professionals officially began with an opening ceremony which included a traditional lion dance.
Vinexposium CEO Rodolphe Lameyse began proceedings, addressing the crowd of diplomatic guests and ambassadors.
Lameyse began by noting the fast pace of the evolving wine and spirits industries and the geopolitical and geoeconomical challenges and tensions that continue to put pressure on trade.
“Consumption patterns are changing. They are shifting. Younger generations are drinking differently and rethinking alcohol and how they engage with alcohol in their life,” he said.
“At the same time, climate disruption and new regulation are reshaping how we grow, how we do trade and how we communicate about wine and spirits. In short, the wine and spirit industry is at a turning point, and in moments like this, priorities matter.”
Lameyse also expressed his excitement for the expo’s return to Singapore after a successful show in Hong Kong in 2024.
“By alternating between two major cities, Hong Kong and Singapore, we have built strong and lasting ties with the region, the key markets in Singapore and we are addressing Southeast Asia’s vibrant economy.
“In Singapore, we stand out as the most exciting growth engine of the wine and spirit sectors. The young, fast-moving and full-of-promise businesses have demonstrated that we can adapt and grow quickly.”
More than 11,000 trade specialists across 70 markets and close to 1000 wine and spirit producers from 30 countries are expected to participate in Vinexpo Asia over three days. In addition to the showroom floor there is an extensive program from the Vinexpo Academy, with more than 30 masterclasses, panels and tastings.
“We [Vinexposium] help businesses to stay focused. We help businesses to adapt quickly, and we help businesses to find the right partner to move forward,” said Lameyse.
Concluding his address Lameyse said: “That’s why Vinexposium and our Vinexpo events, we matter. It is not just where the market meets, it’s where the strategies are shaped.”
Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Government of Singapore, followed Lameyse, welcoming guests back to Singapore.
“Vinexpo Asia is truly an event that celebrates the diversity of wine, spirits and culture. Beyond showcasing bottles, we are sharing stories. Behind every label is a tradition and often generations of craftsmanship.
“Thank you all. In a business that is as international as this, the ability to move products across borders quickly is absolutely critical,” she said.
Siow Huang described the Southeast Asia region as a ‘bright spot’, home to a young and rising middle class with a population of over 600 million – with the region set to become the world’s fourth largest economy by 2030.
She also noted that Singapore is the world’s largest importer and fourth-largest exporter of wines and spirits, with alcohol beverage revenue in Southeast Asia projected to increase by approximately 10 per cent from 2023 to 2027.
“Singapore, as a key trade hub in the region, understands the importance of supply chains amidst today’s challenges, Singapore’s strategic location and strong logistical infrastructure continue to be a strength and make this place an ideal place for wine and spirits, importation and distribution.”
Sharing Lameyse’s sentiment about the industry’s challenging landscape, Siow Huang affirmed Singapore’s commitment to helping the alcohol beverage industry thrive.
“These barriers are not just inconvenient; they can be existential for a small economy like Singapore. We fully understand the importance of upholding a rule-based, open trading system. We are fully committed to working with the stakeholders and like-minded partners around the world to maintain access to markets and to provide a predictable business environment.”
“Amidst all the uncertainties in the global economy, it’s even more important for industry and government to come together to navigate the headwinds. Singapore stands ready to be your partner. And one thing remains clear to us, the global appetite for wine and spirits is not going away,” she concluded.
A traditional Lion Dance took place at the opening ceremony. Image credit: ODEUM. 
Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Trade and Industry of the Government of Singapore. Image credit: ODEUM. 
A Vinexpo Academy Masterclass on the Italian sparkling art of living, organised by Gambero. Image credit: ODEUM. 
Rodolphe Lameyse and Gan Siow Huang on Vinexpo Asia day one. Image credit: ODEUM.