– Expanded B2B programs and emerging trends mark a new chapter for the beer and alcoholic beverage industries
- The Korea Craft Brewers Association (KCBA), which participated through a joint pavilion, also launched the K-Craft Beer Certification Campaign.
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 COEX Hall B in Seoul. The three-day event welcomed an unprecedented number of participants and further solidified its position as Asia’s premier business platform for the beverage sector. This year’s exhibition featured 244 companies across 440 booths, representing a 19% increase from the previous year. A total of 25,294 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.
One of the key highlights of this year’s event was the enhancement of business-driven programs. The industry-first “The 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.
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.
Korea Craft Brewers Association Launches “K-Craft Beer” Certification Campaign
The Korea Craft Brewers Association (KCBA) has officially launched the “K-Craft Beer Certification Campaign” aimed at establishing a clear identity and enhancing the quality competitiveness of Korea’s craft beer industry.
At the 7th Korea International Beer Expo(KIBEX 2025), the KCBA operated a joint pavilion with its member breweries, showcasing a wide variety of craft beers from across the country. The KCBA especially emphasized authentic, high-quality craft beers brewed with craftsmanship, in contrast to low-quality products that are labeled as “craft beer” in name only.
Through this campaign, the KCBA plans to affix the “K-Craft Beer” certification seal to high-quality products from small breweries, providing consumers with a standard for identifying genuine craft beer. This strategy aims to reduce consumer confusion caused by the vague use of the term “craft beer” and to highlight the true value of authentic Korean craft beer.
Lee Inki, President of the Korea Craft Brewers Association, stated, “Some say Korean craft beer is dead, but what has really disappeared are the low-cost products sold in convenience stores.” He added, “While those so-called ‘craft beers’ have vanished from shelves, many breweries across the nation continue to produce real craft beer. Through this certification campaign, we hope to provide consumers with a clear standard to distinguish between low and high-quality products, restoring trust in the industry and contributing to its premiumization.”
Meanwhile, the KCBA is also actively pursuing global expansion. It has recently signed MOUs with the Philippine Craft Brewers Association and Sol Eventos (organizer of CBC Brazil), establishing a framework for mutual market entry, promotional collaboration, and industry development. These efforts are expected to lay the groundwork for introducing Korean craft beer to the global market.
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 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.
Mr. Harper Haejung Lee, CEO of GMEG, the organizer of KIBEX, stated, “This year’s event has grown into a results-driven platform that goes beyond a traditional exhibition. We will continue to expand its reach as a central hub for the Asian beer industry, fostering business collaboration and innovation.”
KIBEX 2026 will return from April 16 to 18, 2026, promising even more international participation and enhanced programs tailored to the evolving needs of the industry.
– Expanded B2B programs and emerging trends mark a new chapter for the beer and alcoholic beverage industries
- The Korea Craft Brewers Association (KCBA), which participated through a joint pavilion, also launched the K-Craft Beer Certification Campaign.
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 COEX Hall B in Seoul. The three-day event welcomed an unprecedented number of participants and further solidified its position as Asia’s premier business platform for the beverage sector. This year’s exhibition featured 244 companies across 440 booths, representing a 19% increase from the previous year. A total of 25,294 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.
One of the key highlights of this year’s event was the enhancement of business-driven programs. The industry-first “The 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.
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.
Korea Craft Brewers Association Launches “K-Craft Beer” Certification Campaign
The Korea Craft Brewers Association (KCBA) has officially launched the “K-Craft Beer Certification Campaign” aimed at establishing a clear identity and enhancing the quality competitiveness of Korea’s craft beer industry.
At the 7th Korea International Beer Expo(KIBEX 2025), the KCBA operated a joint pavilion with its member breweries, showcasing a wide variety of craft beers from across the country. The KCBA especially emphasized authentic, high-quality craft beers brewed with craftsmanship, in contrast to low-quality products that are labeled as “craft beer” in name only.
Through this campaign, the KCBA plans to affix the “K-Craft Beer” certification seal to high-quality products from small breweries, providing consumers with a standard for identifying genuine craft beer. This strategy aims to reduce consumer confusion caused by the vague use of the term “craft beer” and to highlight the true value of authentic Korean craft beer.
Lee Inki, President of the Korea Craft Brewers Association, stated, “Some say Korean craft beer is dead, but what has really disappeared are the low-cost products sold in convenience stores.” He added, “While those so-called ‘craft beers’ have vanished from shelves, many breweries across the nation continue to produce real craft beer. Through this certification campaign, we hope to provide consumers with a clear standard to distinguish between low and high-quality products, restoring trust in the industry and contributing to its premiumization.”
Meanwhile, the KCBA is also actively pursuing global expansion. It has recently signed MOUs with the Philippine Craft Brewers Association and Sol Eventos (organizer of CBC Brazil), establishing a framework for mutual market entry, promotional collaboration, and industry development. These efforts are expected to lay the groundwork for introducing Korean craft beer to the global market.
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 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.
Mr. Harper Haejung Lee, CEO of GMEG, the organizer of KIBEX, stated, “This year’s event has grown into a results-driven platform that goes beyond a traditional exhibition. We will continue to expand its reach as a central hub for the Asian beer industry, fostering business collaboration and innovation.”
KIBEX 2026 will return from April 16 to 18, 2026, promising even more international participation and enhanced programs tailored to the evolving needs of the industry.