Strengthening Institutional & Commercial Relations Between Spain and Vietnam for the F&B Industry

The commercial ties between Spain and Vietnam reached a new height with the high-level trade conference: Strengthening Institutional and Commercial Relations between Spain and Vietnam for the Food and Beverage Industry. Held in Ho Chi Minh City, this strategic summit brought together government officials, trade advisors, and top beverage producers to expand bilateral import-export opportunities, particularly in fine Spanish wines and gastronomy.

For Vietnamese wine importers, F&B managers, and hospitality leaders, the gathering highlighted Spain’s commitment to delivering award-winning, premium wines to Southeast Asia.

Event Overview: Spain & Vietnam F&B Trade Gathering in HCMC

Organized at the iconic Hotel Sofitel Saigon Plaza, the event functioned as an exclusive B2B trade bridge connecting Spanish food and beverage exporters with local Vietnamese trade delegates.

Spain is world-famous for its ancient winemaking heritage across celebrated Denominación de Origen (D.O.) regions such as Utiel-Requena, Rioja, and Ribera del Duero. This initiative focused on streamlining trade procedures, introducing high-value Spanish labels, and creating lasting distribution partnerships in Vietnam.

Supporting Institutions: FIAB, ICEX, and the Embassy of Spain

This prestigious trade gathering was supported by leading national Spanish organizations:

• FIAB (Spanish Food and Drink Industry Federation): Leading the promotion of Spanish food and beverage exports.

• ICEX Spain Export and Investments: Facilitating international corporate expansion.

• Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Spain (Alimentos de España).

Key Diplomatic Speakers & Strategic Industry Insights

The conference opened with insightful presentations by key diplomatic and economic representatives:

• Ms. Olga Baniandrés Rodríguez: Counsellor of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for South East Asia, Embassy of Spain.

• Mr. Néstor Santos Franco: Chief Economic and Commercial Advisor, Economic and Commercial Office – Embassy of Spain.

• Ms. Verónica Puente: Director of Internationalization and International Trade Policy of FIAB.

Speakers emphasized Vietnam’s rapidly expanding luxury market and the growing appreciation among Vietnamese consumers for authentic European wines.

Detailed Event Agenda & Event Schedule

Hosted in the heart of Saigon, the event seamlessly combined diplomatic presentations with an energetic business networking session.

Time Slot	Program Activity	Key Highlights
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM	Welcoming & Participant Registration	Guest check-in and delegate networking
5:30 PM – 6:15 PM	Initial Remarks & Policy Keynotes	Trade insights from Spanish Embassy & FIAB leadership
6:15 PM – 8:00 PM	B2B Networking Cocktail	Product tasting, wine pairing, and trade matchmaking

Spotlight on Spanish Excellence: Hoya de Cadenas Wines by Vicente Gandia

A centerpiece of Spanish winemaking highlighted during trade discussions is Hoya de Cadenas, an exceptional estate collection created by the legendary winery Vicente Gandia (Viticultores desde 1885). Crafted in a privileged microclimate, Hoya de Cadenas produces award-winning wines renowned for their balance, elegance, and rich character.

1. Hoya de Cadenas Reservas: Pure Elegance

Aged in American oak barrels to reach peak maturity, the Reserva collection offers intense aromas blended with toasted, spicy nuances:

• Reserva Tempranillo (100% Tempranillo): Awarded Supervino of the Year in Spain. Features ripe fruit, vanilla, smooth velvet tannins, and an elegant finish. Boasts 95 Points (La Semana Vitivinícola), Gold Medals at Berliner Wine Trophy, Sakura Awards, and WSWA.

• Reserva Privada Cabernet Sauvignon (Tempranillo / Cabernet Sauvignon): Intense cherry hue with cocoa and roasted fruit notes. Awarded 94 Points (La Semana Vitivinícola) and Gold Medals at Mundus Vini, Asia Wine Trophy, Berliner Wine Trophy, and Zarcillo.

2. Hoya de Cadenas Varietals & Young Collections

• Cabernet Sauvignon (Crianza 100% Cabernet Sauvignon): Brilliant ruby red with rich blackcurrant and raspberry aromas, integrated tannins, and a harmonious finish. Rated 92 Points with Gold Medals at Sakura Japan Women’s Wine Awards and Asia Wine Trophy.

• Blanco (Chardonnay / Sauvignon Blanc): Clean, bright pale yellow with crisp white fruits (peach, pear, orange blossom) and herbal anise notes. Rated 91 Points with Gold Medals at Berliner Wine Trophy.

Exceptional Terroir & Award-Winning Grape Varieties

At the Finca Hoya de Cadenas estate, world-renowned grape varieties have adapted perfectly to the climate, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, and the emblem of D.O. Utiel-Requena—Bobal.

Unlocking B2B Growth Opportunities for Vietnamese Wine Importers

Spain’s wine portfolio offers an unrivaled balance of exceptional quality and competitive pricing. Events of this caliber empower Vietnamese distributors to:

1. Secure Direct Winery Partnerships: Partner directly with historic estates like Vicente Gandia.

2. Access Award-Winning Vintages: Bring high-scoring, internationally recognized wines to local restaurants and retail shops.

3. Diversify Commercial Portfolios: Expand offerings across red Reservas, crisp whites, varietals, and organic ranges.

Elevate Your Beverage Portfolio with Wineup

As Vietnam’s trusted authority on wine culture, professional accessories, and market trends, Wineup provides continuous coverage of major trade events and international wine collections. Discovering iconic estates like Hoya de Cadenas enables local businesses to stay ahead of consumer tastes.