China Wine Competition is pleased to announce its partnership with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) for a special industry panel at the 2026 Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair.

Sid Patel, CEO and Founder of Beverage Trade Network and organiser of China Wine Competition, will moderate the session, “How Suppliers Can Better Connect with Buyers in Asia Through Hong Kong.”

The session will take place on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 4:00–5:00 pm at The Cellar within the fairground.

Session Details

Topic: How Suppliers Can Better Connect with Buyers in Asia Through Hong Kong
Date: Friday, November 6, 2026
Time: 4:00–5:00 pm
Venue: The Cellar, Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair
Moderator: Sid Patel, CEO and Founder, Beverage Trade Network
Format: Moderated panel discussion followed by audience Q&A

Helping Suppliers Build Business Across Asia

The session will bring together experienced wine and spirits professionals to discuss how international producers can use Hong Kong as a gateway to connect with importers, distributors, retailers, hospitality buyers and other trade partners across Asia.

The discussion will focus on the practical commercial considerations suppliers must understand before approaching buyers in the region.

Key topics will include:

- What Asian buyers look for when evaluating new brands and suppliers
- How producers should prepare before approaching importers and distributors
- Pricing, positioning and route-to-market considerations
- The importance of local partnerships and market knowledge
- Common mistakes suppliers make when entering Asian markets
- How Hong Kong can support wider commercial growth across Asia

“Hong Kong continues to play an important role in connecting international beverage suppliers with buyers across Asia,” said Sid Patel. “This session is designed to give producers practical insights into what buyers expect, how to prepare for the market and how to build relationships that can lead to long-term business.”

A Panel of Experienced Industry Leaders

The session will be moderated by Sid Patel and will feature three to four professionals with experience in Asian markets, wine and spirits buying, importing, distribution, retail, hospitality and brand development.

The final speaker lineup will be jointly curated by Beverage Trade Network and HKTDC and announced shortly.

Scheduled during a prime period when visitor traffic is expected to be near its peak, the panel will provide attendees with practical market-entry guidance and an opportunity to hear directly from professionals actively working across the Asian drinks trade.

Enter Your Wines in the China Wine Competition

Wine producers, brand owners, importers and distributors can now register their wines online for the China Wine Competition.

The competition is designed to identify wines with the quality, value, packaging, typicity and food-pairing potential required to succeed in China’s on-trade market. Wines are assessed by sommeliers, wine directors and on-trade buyers who understand what Chinese restaurants, hotels, bars and wine-focused venues need.

Entrants receive a detailed score breakdown showing how their wines performed across the competition’s judging criteria. Winning wines can use their medals and competition results to strengthen their credibility with importers, distributors, buyers and consumers in China and other Asian markets.

Producers can register and enter their wines online. Company information and wine details must be completed online before samples are submitted.

Special Sample-Drop Opportunity for HKTDC Exhibitors

Wineries and wine brands exhibiting at the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair can also participate in the China Wine Competition.

Exhibitors should register their wines online and complete the required entry information. They can then deliver their registered wine samples directly to the China Wine Competition exhibitor stand at the HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair.

This special sample-drop option gives international exhibitors a convenient way to participate without arranging a separate shipment after the show.

Exhibitors should:

1. Register their company and wines online.
2. Complete payment and download their competition entry information.
3. Bring the required wine samples to Hong Kong.
4. Deliver the samples to the China Wine Competition stand during the fair.
5. Ensure every sample is clearly marked with its registered wine and company details.

The China Wine Competition stand number and detailed sample-drop instructions will be announced before the fair.

About the China Wine Competition

China Wine Competition is an international wine competition created to identify wines with the strongest potential for China’s on-trade market.

The competition’s judges include leading sommeliers, wine directors, Master Sommeliers and professional wine buyers who actively select wines for restaurants, hotels, bars, clubs and other hospitality businesses.

Wines are evaluated on:

- Food pairing ability
- Varietal typicity
- Quality
- Value
- Packaging

The objective is to recognise wines that offer the complete combination required for commercial success—not only how the wine tastes, but also how well it is positioned, presented and priced for its target customer.

The competition gives producers an opportunity to:

- Benchmark their wines for the Chinese on-trade market
- Receive practical feedback from industry professionals
- Build credibility with importers, distributors and buyers
- Promote medal-winning wines throughout China and Asia
- Strengthen their positioning for restaurant and by-the-glass programs
- Gain exposure through China Wine Competition and Beverage Trade Network media channels

The 2026 China Wine Competition will be held on November 10, 2026. Producers can learn more and enter their wines online at the official competition website.

China Wine Competition and HKTDC to Promote the Session

China Wine Competition, Beverage Trade Network and HKTDC will build awareness around the panel through press coverage, editorial content, social media promotion, trade newsletters and direct outreach to relevant buyers and drinks industry professionals in China and Hong Kong.

The partnership reflects China Wine Competition’s wider mission of helping wine producers understand Asian buyer expectations, earn market-relevant recognition and develop stronger routes to market across the region.

About the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair

Organised by HKTDC, the Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair will take place from November 5–7, 2026, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The fair connects wine, spirits and beverage suppliers with buyers and trade professionals from Hong Kong, Mainland China and international markets. The 2025 edition featured 621 exhibitors from 23 countries and regions and welcomed 8,219 physical buyers representing 57 countries and regions.

Learn more about the HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair.

Also Read:
2026 China Wine Competition: MWs, MSs & Top Hospitality Buyers to Provide Direct Feedback
Top On-Trade Buyers and Distributors to Judge the 2026 China Wine Competition