Vinexpo Asia is kicking off next week in Singapore

Vinexpo Academy, the educational arm of the event, will feature more than 30 sessions focusing on consumer behavior, market trends, and technological innovation. The program aims to give professionals tools to adapt to a fast-evolving marketplace and capture new growth opportunities.

MAY 27:

Essential Consumer Insights for South Asia

10:30 am – 12:30 pm

The Academy – Conferences – Room 1

Hong Kong, The Greater Bay Area, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia: Consumer Trends, Challenges and Opportunities for The Wines & Spirits Industry.

Industry specialist Rob Temple sits down with Philippe Chan, General Manager of leading global consumer survey and data company YouGov to dissect a YouGov consumer survey conducted in March 2025 to explore implications of wines and spirits consumer habits for brand owners, importers and trade. The survey includes vital feedback relating to Wines & Spirits Consumption Trends, Wines & Spirits Shopper Behaviour, Perception Towards Wine and Wine Producing Countries, Hong Kong’s Relevance As The Gateway to GBA and China and specific enquiries into the Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia markets.


South East Asia Wine Trends vs Global Wine Trends

01:30 pm – 02:30 pm

The Academy – Conferences – Room 1

Global trends indicate it’s time for white wine to dominate and signal an impending surge of lower-alcohol, -no alcohol-and lighter red wines. But how do these trends translate to our region?

The session will be moderated by Singapore-based Wine Communicator Wine Communicator Nimmi Malhotra and attended by IWS Commercial Wine Director Michel Conrad, Nimbility co-founder Ian Founder, Richard Hemming MW.


MAY 28

China’s Wine Market in Transition: What You Need to Know

10:30 am – 11:30 am

The Academy-Conferences-Room 1

The panel discussion will explore the latest wine trends and identify growth opportunities that are driving China’s wine market recovery after years of decline.

Drawing on the expertise and firsthand experiences of leading industry figures, the session will offer actionable strategies for navigating challenges, capturing emerging consumer demands, and positioning brands for long-term success in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Moderated by Natalie Wang, founder and editor of Vino Joy News, the panel will include Dan Siebers, Co-Partner of Wajiu China; Philippe Bera, Executive Director of Omtis Fine Wines; Kate Williams, Head of Asia at Australian Vintage; and Mishao Chen, Managing Director of Henkell Freixenet Greater China.

Register here to secure your spot.


Luxury & Premiumization in Southeast Asia

12:00 pm – 01:00 pm

The Academy-Conferences-Room 1

Are Asians still Crazy Rich? There’s no shortage of luxury brands that think so.

Across the drinks sector, premiumization is seen as a way to increasing much-needed profitability, while offering customers an enhanced experience. When done well, it can increase loyalty and quality perception; but when done badly it can backfire.

Join Richard Hemming MW and a panel of experts as they discuss the good, the bad and the ugly of luxury and premiumization in the drinks sector across Southeast Asia. We will consider the factors that make drinks successful in the luxury sector, covering everything from production and packaging to marketing and sales channels.


MAY 29:

Understanding the Asian consumer

10:30 am – 11:30 am

The Academy-Conferences-Room 1

As Asia continues to emerge as a pivotal player in the global market, understanding the unique preferences, cultural nuances, and consumption trends of Asian consumers is essential for brands looking to thrive in this diverse landscape.

From the rise of health-conscious choices to the influence of social media and local traditions, the Asian consumer landscape is both complex and dynamic.

Join the panel to explore key insights, innovative strategies, and the future of beverage consumption across this vibrant region.


Innovation Meets Wine: A Conversation Curated by Meininger’s International

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

The Academy-Conferences-Room 1

Artificial intelligence is making its mark on the wine and spirits industry. In this session, we’ll explore technologies at the intersection of taste, sales, and digital innovation.

From AI-powered vineyard monitoring to personalized recommendations at the point of sale, Dr. Anja Zimmer, Editor-in-Chief of Meininger’s International, will open the session with a keynote highlighting what’s possible — and necessary — to remain competitive in today’s evolving market. Embracing innovation doesn’t mean jumping on every trend—it means understanding where technology can add real value.

Philipp Mann, Managing Director of TailorWine, will introduce – via video – WilliWein, a humanoid robot designed to act as an AI sommelier. Developed in collaboration with QUADRUPED Robotics, WilliWein delivers wine recommendations in real time and demonstrates how robotics and oenological expertise can blend seamlessly.

The panel will discuss the market trends, challenges, and opportunities that these new tools bring. How do algorithms influence sensory evaluation, product development, and marketing? Which digital tools improve customer communication and drive sales? And how will this digital shift change the wine and spirits industry?


Navigating the Indian Market: How to enter & succeed in India

03:15 pm – 04:15 pm

The Academy-Conferences-Room 1

How to enter and succeed in the Indian wine market- learn from the country’s first and only Master of Wine, Sonal C Holland.

Join Sonal for an engrossing conference that will unravel the world’s third-largest alcobev market, where wine has seen significant growth over the past decade. Get exclusive insights into emerging consumer trends and preferences, navigate the country’s complex and daunting import structure and regulatory framework, explore ways to develop a strong nexus with important stakeholders, and learn how to find the best import partner.

Sonal brings her expertise as India’s leading wine consultant with two decades of experience to share an action plan that will enable you to give your brand the best chance of success in the Indian market.

For all the programs included in Vinexpo Academy, please click here.


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