#United States #San Francisco #Moutai #Panama Expo

Moutai Celebrates 110 Years of Global Prestige

On December 7th and 8th, 2025, the iconic Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco played host to a mesmerizing two-day event celebrating the illustrious 110-year history of Moutai, China's renowned baijiu brand. This occasion marked a significant moment in the brand's long journey, tracing back to its debut at the Panama-Pacific International Exposition in 1915, where it captured the Gold Medal, marking the beginning of its ascent on the global stage.

The Panama-Pacific International Exposition not only showcased technological innovations and cultural exchanges in a time of early globalization but also symbolized a pivotal step in Moutai’s international journey. It paved the way for the brand's future, leading to its designation as the first Chinese spirit to earn a commemorative day in a major Western city, proclaimed by former San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee in 2015.

Fast forward to today, Moutai stands as a potent symbol of Chinese culture with a market value nearing 282 billion U.S. dollars, further solidifying its position as a dynamic force in the global spirits market. The return of Moutai's delegation, spearheaded by Group Vice General Manager Zhang Guichao, to San Francisco emphasizes the brand's ongoing commitment to cultural exchange and market growth in North America.

A Journey Through Time at the Exhibition

The centerpiece of the event was the exhibition titled “San Francisco In Search of Our Shared Memories: A Chinese Brand's Perspective on 1915,” which dove deep into the historical ties between Moutai and the city, highlighting shared memories across a century. The exhibition incorporated immersive displays like a replica of a commemorative postcard from the 1915 exposition, engaging attendees in interactive storytelling through four thematic chapters: “Shared Memory of 1915,” “A World Progressing in 1915,” “Moutai at the 1915 Expo,” and “Setting Sail for 2025.”

Guests enjoyed Moutai cocktails in a lively atmosphere filled with jazz music, creating a celebratory ambiance for exploration and discussion among aficionados. The event transitioned from mere commercialization to cultural spectacle, showcasing the extensive trust and recognition Moutai has garnered over the past century.

An inventive art installation known as Jinshan recreated the pivotal moment marking the opening of the Panama Canal, forging connections to the era's industrial marvels. Additionally, attendees were treated to engaging interpretative displays, including photographs of Moutai's original production locales and artifacts that brought historical narratives to life, offering a tactile connection to the brand's journey and commitment to craftsmanship.

Moutai Night: Toasting to Cultural Exchange

On the evening of December 7, Kweichow Moutai hosted a distinguished event dubbed Moutai Night, honoring the 110 years since the Panama Expo. A noteworthy guest list included political figures, business leaders from the U.S., and Chinese diplomats, uniting in an atmosphere of festivity and reflection on Moutai's historical importance.

During the event, Moutai Group Chairman Chen Hua extended a warm welcome via video, expressing gratitude for the long-standing relationship between the brand and San Francisco, affirming Moutai's evolution into a global icon of artistry and tradition.

Guests savored exquisite baijiu paired with gourmet cuisine, while artistic performances celebrated the rich tapestry of cultures brought together by Moutai. The fusion of Chinese and Western elements held by meticulous stage shows further enhanced the evening's dialogue around shared values and experiences between the two nations.

As the evening concluded, the aroma of Moutai signified not only a memorial of shared history but also a commitment to future collaborations and the ongoing integration of cultural narratives. Through these initiatives, Moutai reinforces its role as an ambassador of goodwill and cultural exchange, reminding both nations of the craftsmanship and heritage that define its legacy.

Moutai's story continues to unfold, linking the past with the present and shaping cultural dialogues as it embarks on the next chapter of its remarkable journey - a journey that intersects with global progress and cultural understanding.