The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced that its five concurrently held fairs—Food Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo, Home Delights Expo, Food Expo PRO, and Hong Kong International Tea Fair—concluded successfully, attracting over 520,000 public visits, a record high. The events brought together over 1,850 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions, with per capita spending reaching HK$1,685, reflecting strong public demand for gourmet food, healthy living, and quality home products.
The trade exhibitions, Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair, drew some 20,000 buyers from 64 countries and regions, including Chinese Mainland, Japan, Korea, and ASEAN countries. This international participation reinforces Hong Kong's role as a food trading hub. A survey conducted during the fairs revealed that 87% of respondents spent as much as or more than budgeted, and over 80% expressed interest in health and wellness products. The most sought-after categories were health and functional foods (62%), health supplements and nutritional products (51%), and mental and physical wellness products (40%).
The fairs also highlighted emerging trends, with more than half of respondents (53%) believing that the halal food and beverage label promotes halal products, and 51% noting the silver-age products and services on display. These insights indicate continued growth potential in these markets. The HKTDC's Associate Executive Director, Smilely Lam, noted that the fairs' theme, "Live Well · Stay Well," showcased the latest trends in the health and wellness sector and created business opportunities.
At the public fairs, exhibitors reported strong sales. Henry Ling of Uni-China Group expected total sales of HK$1 million to HK$1.4 million from its 12 participating exhibitors. Alan Ho of Vogue Bio projected sales exceeding HK$1 million, far surpassing expectations. The Beauty & Wellness Expo featured an aroma-emotion testing experience, while the Home Delights Expo introduced a "Go Sleep Exp" pavilion to educate visitors on sleep health.
The trade fairs facilitated significant business deals. The Chinese Mainland premium agricultural products "Going Global" event recorded intended transactions exceeding HK$1.8 billion, with Memoranda of Understanding signed between the Environment and Ecology Bureau of Hong Kong and regions including Hunan, Xizang, and Shandong. The Korea Pavilion expanded by 40%, and the HKTDC signed an MoU with the Korea Agro-fisheries & Food Trade Corporation. Kim Kwangseok, Branch Director of the corporation, highlighted Hong Kong's strategic importance as a springboard to the Greater Bay Area and Chinese Mainland markets.
Halal products gained traction, with over 130 food suppliers showcasing halal offerings. Pius Chan of Tai Po Chun Hing noted meeting over 20 buyers on the first day and expected orders worth HK$500,000 to HK$1 million. The Food Science and Technology Zone attracted strong interest, with IXON Food Technology receiving enquiries from over 200 buyers. The Coffee Zone and Tea Fair also reported successes, with the Hawaii Coffee Association connecting with over 100 buyers, and the Tea Board of Kenya reporting potential deals exceeding US$10 million.
The International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products, held concurrently, brought together over 30 experts to discuss innovation and global opportunities in Chinese medicine. The fairs adopted a hybrid model, allowing online negotiations via the "Click2Match" platform until August 22.
