The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its five fairs today, with the Food Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo, and Home Delights Expo attracting over 520,000 public visits, an all-time high. The concurrent trade fairs, Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair, drew some 20,000 buyers from 64 countries and regions, highlighting Hong Kong's unique position as a food trading hub. The events, themed 'Live Well · Stay Well', showcased a diverse range of products and services, with a strong emphasis on health and wellness, reflecting growing consumer interest in these areas.
According to a survey conducted during the fairs, per capita spending reached a record HK$1,685, with 87% of respondents indicating that their actual spending met or exceeded their budget. Over 80% expressed interest in health and wellness-related products, with the most sought-after categories being health and functional foods (62%), health supplements and nutritional products (51%), and mental and physical wellness items (40%). The survey also revealed that 53% of respondents believed the halal food and beverage label helps promote halal products, and 51% noted the presence of silver-age products, indicating growth potential in these segments.
Smilely Lam, HKTDC's Associate Executive Director, emphasized the fairs' success in aligning with market trends: "This year's fairs received an enthusiastic response. Attendance recorded solid growth, and per capita spending reached a record high alongside visitor numbers, reflecting the strong market demand for quality food, healthy living and novel experiences." She added, "The fairs also successfully aligned with the healthy living consumption trend, with over 80% of respondents expressing interest in health and wellness-related products."
The public fairs featured five themed days and various interactive experiences. The Food Expo's Gourmet Zone introduced Hong Kong's first chewy treats themed market, which received an enthusiastic response. Exhibitors reported strong sales, with Uni-China Group expecting total sales of HK$1 million to HK$1.4 million. The Beauty & Wellness Expo included an aroma-emotion testing experience by Xuelei Fragrance Museum, drawing continuous crowds. Vogue Bio's founder Alan Ho noted that the expo-exclusive promotion was well received, with expected sales exceeding HK$1 million. The Home Delights Expo showcased smart home solutions and sleep technology, with the Sleep Health Association's 'Go Sleep Exp' attracting many visitors interested in sleep health.
The trade fairs facilitated significant business deals, particularly for mainland Chinese enterprises seeking overseas expansion. The 'Going Global' matchmaking event recorded intended transactions exceeding HK$1.8 billion, a new record. Notable agreements included a MoU between Xizang Pavilion exhibitors and a Hong Kong importer, with an estimated annual cooperation value exceeding RMB100 million. Henan Yunong Youpin Operation Management connected with Kazakhstan's agricultural bodies, aiming to establish an agricultural industrial park. The Korea Pavilion expanded by 40%, becoming the largest overseas pavilion, and the HKTDC signed a MoU with the Korea Agro-fisheries & Food Trade Corporation to strengthen cooperation.
The halal food segment also saw significant interest, with over 130 food suppliers showcasing halal products. Tai Po Chun Hing, a local heritage brand, presented halal-certified beef tendon balls at the new 'MeatZone', attracting over 20 buyers on the first day. SBY Frozen Food Supply from Singapore identified Brazilian suppliers, with estimated annual procurement value between US$3 million and US$5 million. The Food Science and Technology Zone featured innovative technologies, including pet food solutions, with IXON Food Technology receiving enquiries from over 200 buyers, potentially generating business worth US$500,000 to US$1.3 million.
The Coffee Zone highlighted the growing coffee market, with first-time exhibitor Hawaii Coffee Association connecting with over 100 buyers. A seminar on ASEAN coffee opportunities emphasized Hong Kong's role as an international coffee trading hub. The Tea Fair introduced new zones, including the 'Tea Lifestyle' area and the Chinese Mainland Matcha Pavilion. BASAO, a local tea brand, conducted around 30 business meetings, while Hangzhou Jingshan Tea Development connected with buyers from various countries, with a Thai company expressing interest in purchasing around 20 tonnes of matcha powder. The Kenya Pavilion reported potential business deals exceeding US$10 million, and the Tea Board of Kenya signed a MoU with the HKTDC.
The hybrid 'EXHIBITION+' model allowed global buyers to engage both physically and online, with the Click2Match platform facilitating continued negotiations until 22 August. The International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products also concluded, bringing together over 30 experts from 11 countries to discuss regulatory policies and innovation in traditional medicine, promoting international cooperation. The fairs underscored Hong Kong's role as a super-connector, linking mainland and international markets, and driving growth in the health and wellness sector.
