UK minister discusses tech collaboration in Greater Bay Area during Hong Kong visit

Bordeaux officials have expressed their enthusiasm for a 5-year deal signed with Hong Kong, securing its status as the exclusive host for Vinexpo's Asian edition from 2027 to 2031. Fabien Robert, the deputy mayor of Bordeaux, emphasized the significance of a presence in Hong Kong and mainland China, despite declining consumption in the latter.

Robert stated that being in Hong Kong each year sends a strong message of Bordeaux's commitment and its importance in the region. Vinexpo, a renowned international wine and spirits trade exhibition, had previously alternated between Singapore and Hong Kong annually from 2023 to 2026. The memorandum of understanding signals a shift towards a permanent presence in Hong Kong, a decision that has been welcomed by Bordeaux's municipal councillor and delegate for wine industry relations, Laure Compeyrot.

Compeyrot highlighted the value of regular, face-to-face meetings in fostering stronger relationships and understanding between the two cities. China's per-capita wine consumption has been on a downward trend since the mid-2010s, with sales plummeting 47% between 2019 and 2022. In contrast, China's bottled wine imports from the European Union experienced a 16.6% year-on-year decline in the first half of 2026.

The International Organisation of Vine and Wine reported a 14% decline in global wine consumption since 2018, with China leading the contraction among major markets. Despite geopolitical challenges, Robert remains optimistic about the future of wine trade, emphasizing the role of wine as a soft power and a means of promoting cultural understanding.