KIBEX 2025 successfully concluded

Seoul | The 7th edition of Korea Int’l Beer Expo (KIBEX) 2025, Korea’s leading trade shows connecting the global beer and alcoholic beverage industries, successfully wrapped up on April 12 at the Coex center in Seoul. The three-day event welcomed an unprecedented number of participants and further solidified its position for the international beverage sector.

This year’s exhibition featured 244 companies across 440 booths, representing a 19% increase from the previous year. A total of 27,294 attendees – including industry professionals, buyers, and general consumers – visited the venue, reflecting the industry’s growing interest and signaling a strong recovery momentum in both domestic and global beverage markets.

“Brew-In Tour”

One of the key highlights of this year’s event was the enhancement of business-driven programs. The industry-first “Brew-In Tour”, a docent-guided tour segmented by beer, equipment, and ingredients, attracted overwhelming interest and was fully booked within a week of its announcement. The tour offered buyers structured insights into new products while providing participating companies with direct business leads. A similar program was also operated at Drink Seoul for wine and traditional liquor categories.

Homebrewing and global engagement

The ‘Brew It Yourself’ homebrewing academy, co-hosted by Bision Corporation and the Korea Craft Brewers Association (KCBA), provided mentoring sessions focused on ingredients and brewing practices. Designed to nurture the next generation of homebrewers, the program served as a vital starting point for strengthening the foundation of Korea’s craft beer ecosystem.

Global engagement was another major theme of the show. The U.S. and China pavilions returned alongside key international sponsors such as Fermentis and Bision Corporation. Over 700 international delegates and buyers from the U.S., Brazil, the Philippines, and other countries visited the expo, facilitating meaningful networking and partnership opportunities. Notably, MOU agreements were signed with the Philippine Craft Brewers Association and Sol Eventos (organizer of CBC Brazil), signaling a commitment to future collaboration.

KIBCON and KIBA

The concurrent Korea Int’l Beer Conference (KIBCON) hosted 15 sessions featuring 23 speakers from global brewing associations and technical experts. Discussions spanned a wide range of topics, including brewing innovation, ingredient trends, and strategies for overcoming the current market slowdown through global cooperation.

Meanwhile, the Korea Int’l Beer Award (KIBA) 2025 marked its fourth edition with a significant milestone: 467 beers from 101 breweries across 21 countries, reflecting a 140% increase from the previous year. Judged by a panel of 42 international experts, the competition continues to gain recognition as one of Asia’s premier commercial beer awards.

Drink Seoul 2025

Drink Seoul 2025 showcased the expanding diversity of the alcoholic beverage market, with a wide range of traditional Korean liquors, wine, distilled spirits, sake, and mead. The joint pavilions from Andong City and Yeongdong County highlighted Korea’s regional specialties, while on-site open stage programs such as sake and spirit masterclasses and the Royal Liquor Brewing Contest enriched the educational and interactive experience for attendees.

KIBEX 2026 will return from 16–18 April 2026, promising once more international participation and enhanced programs tailored to the evolving needs of the industry.