Vinexpo Asia, the region's major wine and spirits trade show, returned to Hong Kong at the end of May after a six-year hiatus. This year's event was a resounding success, drawing over 14,203 visitors from 60 countries, exceeding expectations by more than 40%. Visitors were predominantly from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, reflecting the "continentalization" trend observed by the Vinexposium group's CEO, where attendees are more likely to attend trade shows within their own region.
Nimbility’s pavilion represented a diverse portfolio of acclaimed wine, spirit and beverage brands, showcasing their exceptional products to buyers from the APAC region. The pavilion and presence of Nimbility’s team from around APAC, as well as the presence of nine brand ownerswas a testament to their unwavering commitment to opening new partnerships between brands and importers across the Asia-Pacific region.
The brands featured at the pavilion were a true reflection of Nimbility’s deep expertise as well as its focus on premium and disruptive brands:
Klein Constantia and South Africa’s iconic Vin de Constance
Roseblood by Château Estoublon, a collaboration between the Prats, the Bruni-Sarkozy and the Courbit families.
Viña Casa Silva, Chile’s Carmenere expert and Terroir explorer
NON an up-and-coming non-alcoholic alternative to wine from Australia
Hawke’s Bay icon Trinity Hill
Juvé y Camps, leader in long-aged, Gran Reserva Cava
Dreissigacker, the new wave of long-aged German Riesling
McLaren Vale legend Maxwell Wines
Mirabeau – the world’s leading family owned Rosé brand
South Africa’s leading Sustainable & Ethical producer Journey’s End Brands
and the most Iconic Wineries from British Columbia!
"Vinexpo was a fantastic platform for us to connect with our growing network of importers, trade customers, local sommeliers & bartenders, and the broader F&B community” said Nimbility’s co-founder Polly Aylwin-Foster. "It was an opportunity to deepen our existing business relationships and strengthen the presence of our brands in the Asia-Pacific markets."
In addition to showcasing their impressive portfolio of wines and spirits, Nimbility’s team of experts were a key feature in Vinexpo Academy’s schedule of events, hosting a series of engaging panels and masterclasses.
The "No-Low" trend session chaired by Nimbility’s CEO and Co-Founder Ian Ford explored the rising popularity of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol beverages in APAC. Joined in this panel discussion by Debra Meiburg MW, Simon Disler Director of importer Drinks 99, Bastien Ciocca the co-owner of Hope & Sesame and Aaron Trotman the founder of NON , the non-alcoholic alternative to wine, this session delved into the many complex facets of the topic and why the No-Low category is becoming ever more relevant for buyers in Asia.
Manuel Arce, Nimbility’s Spririts Director chaired three separate masterclasses on Cognac, Agave and Pisco, delving into those categories evolving Spirits trends in APAC and Sarah Soo-Kyung Henriet, Nimbility’s Head of South Korea, participated in a panel discussion on the growing influence of wine clubs in Asia and their impact on local wine cultures.
“As market and brand builders for our multiple clients across different categories of the beverage industry, we need to be finger on the pulse with local insights, intelligence and trends, and consider thought leadership and education as part of our role in industry development across the region,” said Nimbility Co-Founder Francesca Martin. “Since 2019 we have been an integral part of Vinexpo Academy’s ambitious masterclass and conference programming, delivering numerous panels and discussions backed by our proprietary insights and analysis work across APAC. We look forward to continuing our partnership at the show’s next edition in Singapore 2025 and beyond.”
Nimbility's commitment to providing exceptional experiences extended beyond the Vinexpo exhibition floor. A hotly anticipated Coravin event for 50+ guests took place on Monday afternoon at Soho House, the perfect show warm up, where the Coravin founder Greg Lambrecht demonstrated the innovative wine preservation technology. Guests were surprised with a pre-access tasting of Rathfinny’s Classic Cuvée 2018, showcasing Coravin’s ability to preserve the organoleptic and bubbly qualities of this stunning English sparkling wine from the heart of Sussex, as well as a seven-year-old pre-accessed 2012 Domaine Marquis d'Angerville Fremiets Volnay perfectly preserved by Coravin. On Tuesday evening the Nimbility team hosted an after-show party for clients and customers, taking 35 guests on an unforgettable journey through the heart of central Hong Kong by open-top tram.
Reflecting on the success of Vinexpo Asia 2024, the Nimbility team expressed their enthusiasm. "The event was as per usual well-organized, with a strong presence of exhibitors from around the world. We were particularly encouraged by the significant turnout from key markets like Greater China, Korea, Thailand, and Indonesia, where Nimbility is actively engaged. This confirms the immense opportunities and potential in these rapidly growing Asia-Pacific markets," commented Ian Ford, Nimbility’s CEO and Co-Founder. “As the key show for the region, we look forward to continuing to take part in Vinexpo Asia in the years to come.”
Alessandra Martinazzo
