Frankfurt International Trophy Strengthens Its Presence in China

Third edition of the China competition brings together international expertise and Chinese industry knowledge

Guiyang/Frankfurt, September 2026 – The Frankfurt International Trophy continues to expand its presence in China. For the first time, the third edition of the China competition was held in conjunction with the China (Guizhou) International Alcoholic Beverages Expo in Guiyang. The cooperation strengthens the competition’s local presence and promotes exchange between the Chinese and European wine and spirits industries. “We want to build long-term bridges between the wine and spirits cultures of China and Europe and promote professional exchange,” says Maturin Craplet, Director of the Frankfurt International Trophy.

Since entering the Chinese market in 2024, the Frankfurt International Trophy has enabled Chinese producers to participate locally in professional blind tastings conducted according to international standards. Chinese spirits, particularly Baijiu, play a special role in this initiative.

This year, 122 international and Chinese expert judges evaluated the entries. In addition to international experts, the judging panel included experienced Baijiu masters, national distilling and mixology champions, as well as long-standing judges from Chinese competitions.

Professional exchange was also a key focus. At the “Jiangxiang Baijiu goes Global” round table on September 9, around 150 participants from China and abroad discussed the international positioning and development of Chinese spirits.

A total of 446 wines and spirits from six countries and 14 major Chinese production regions were entered in Guiyang. 179 products received awards, including 27 Grand Gold Medals, 69 Gold Medals and 83 Silver Medals.