Richard Hemming MW, Head of Wine, Asia at 67 Pall Mall Singapore and one of the world’s leading wine experts, has joined Asia Wine Ratings as a lead judge. Organized by Beverage Trade Network (BTN), this competition is uniquely judged by independent, regional, and national retailers across Asia, making it one of the most commercially relevant wine competitions in the region.

Richard Hemming MW, who has led 67 Pall Mall’s Asia wine programme since 2019, brings more than two decades of wine industry experience, spanning UK retail, major global competitions, prolific writing, and judging assignments. His reputation for combining deep technical knowledge with commercial insight aligns perfectly with Asia Wine Ratings’ philosophy.

This competition stands apart as it judges wines by Quality, Value, and Package and only has trade buyers and MWs in the judging panel.

Regional Off-Trade Buyers at the Judging Table 

Asia Wine Ratings sets itself apart by bringing together a panel composed exclusively of off-premise trade buyers—those who make real purchasing decisions for retail shelves. Judges include national and independent wine retailers, supermarket wine buyers, specialist retail chains, off-trade-focused importers, and Masters of Wine actively working in the retail landscape. 

Representing key Asian markets such as Hong Kong, India, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, these professionals offer a unique blend of palate precision and market intuition, ensuring that every wine is assessed through the lens of retail relevance and sales potential.

What This Means for Asia’s Wine Market

Richard’s involvement underscores the competition’s commitment to excellence grounded in commercial reality. His participation will likely elevate the competition’s profile, attracting top-tier wine brands seeking meaningful recognition from the Asia trade community.

With the competition set for October 2025 in Hong Kong—where submissions are tasted, medals awarded, and winners celebrated in a press/trade showcase—Asia Wine Ratings aims to shape purchasing trends and spotlight wines poised for success in this booming region.

Submission is now open for brands looking to enter the Asia market.

Organized by Beverage Trade Network

Asia Wine Ratings is organized by Beverage Trade Network (BTN), the same team behind leading global competitions such as the USA Wine Ratings and the London Wine Competition. BTN's mission is to connect producers with real trade decision-makers, and Asia Wine Ratings continues that vision by focusing on what truly matters to off-trade buyers in Asia: quality, value, and shelf appeal. With a growing influence across key retail markets, the competition offers wine brands a powerful platform to gain recognition, build credibility, and drive distribution in Asia.

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