The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced today that its five concurrent 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. Per capita spending reached HK$1,685, up from previous years, reflecting strong consumer demand for gourmet food, healthy living, and quality home products.
The trade fairs, Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair, drew some 20,000 buyers from 64 countries and regions, including Chinese Mainland, Macao, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and ASEAN countries. This underscores Hong Kong's unique advantages as a food trading hub, connecting international markets with Chinese Mainland.
Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of HKTDC, said: "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: "We are pleased to see the fairs attracting a broader range of international participation. Exhibitors, buyers and industry representatives concluded multiple cooperation and procurement agreements, underscoring Hong Kong's position as an important trade platform connecting Chinese Mainland and international markets."
According to a random sampling survey of over 1,430 visitors, 87% said their actual spending was in line with or exceeded their budget. Over 80% expressed interest in health and wellness products, with 62% interested in health and functional foods, 51% in supplements, and 40% in mental and physical wellness items. The halal food and beverage label, introduced for the third year, was recognized by more than half of respondents, indicating market growth potential.
Public fairs featured themed days and special offers, driving sales. The Food Expo's Gourmet Zone introduced Hong Kong's first chewy treats themed market, which was well-received. Henry Ling of Uni-China Group estimated his company's sales at HK$1 million to HK$1.4 million. The Beauty & Wellness Expo showcased aroma-emotion testing and a new "Stay Relax" zone; Alan Ho of Vogue Bio expected sales to exceed HK$1 million. The Home Delights Expo featured smart home solutions and sleep technology; Cyrus Chiu of Sleep Health Association said their "Go Sleep Exp" attracted strong visitor traffic.
Trade fairs facilitated business expansion, with the Chinese Mainland premium agricultural products "Going Global" event recording intended transactions exceeding HK$1.8 billion. The Xizang Pavilion signed a MoU with a Hong Kong importer, projecting annual cooperation value exceeding RMB100 million. Henan Yunong Youpin connected with two wholesalers, targeting RMB10 million in cooperation. The Korea Pavilion expanded by 40% and became the largest overseas pavilion; HKTDC signed a MoU with Korea Agro-fisheries & Food Trade Corporation.
Kim Kwangseok, Branch Director of the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, said: "Hong Kong has long been a strategically important market for Korean agri-food products. It is not only our sixth largest export market, but also a crucial springboard for entering the Greater Bay Area and the Chinese Mainland markets."
The Food Expo PRO introduced a "MeatZone" and the halal label attracted over 130 suppliers. Tai Po Chun Hing, a local heritage brand, met over 20 buyers on the first day, expecting orders worth HK$500,000 to HK$1 million. Singapore-based SBY Frozen Food Supply identified Brazilian suppliers, estimating annual procurement of US$3-5 million. The "Food Science and Technology Zone" featured innovative food tech; IXON Food Technology received enquiries from over 200 buyers, with potential business value of US$500,000 to US$1.3 million.
The Coffee Zone highlighted coffee market growth. Hawaii Coffee Association connected with over 100 buyers. Prof. Simon Wong of the Belt and Road International Coffee Alliance said the alliance will connect around 150 Belt and Road markets, consolidating Hong Kong's role as an international coffee trading hub.
The Hong Kong International Tea Fair introduced a "Tea Lifestyle" zone. BASAO, a local tea brand, held 30 business meetings with buyers from Thailand, Japan, Egypt, and connected with Cathay Pacific and Yung Kee. The Chinese Mainland Matcha Pavilion received interest from a Thai company for 20 tonnes of matcha powder. The Kenya Pavilion reported potential deals exceeding US$10 million.
The hybrid exhibition model "EXHIBITION+" allowed global buyers to negotiate online until August 22 via the Click2Match platform. The International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products, themed "Clinical Translation, Regulatory Policies and Global Innovative Pathways of Traditional Medicine," brought together over 30 experts from 11 countries to discuss international regulations and market trends, promoting global cooperation in Chinese medicine.
