The 36th HKTDC Food Expo, along with the Beauty & Wellness Expo and Home Delights Expo, opened today at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, running from 13 to 17 August. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the fairs bring together more than 1,850 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions, creating a vibrant marketplace that spans food, tea, home living, beauty and wellness sectors. Under the central theme 'Live Well. Stay Well', the event highlights the growing importance of wellness in everyday life, reflected in the food and beverages we enjoy, how we care for our homes, and how we nurture our physical and mental well-being.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, alongside Dr Jonathan Choi, Council Member of the HKTDC, and Sophia Chong, Executive Director of the HKTDC. Dr Choi emphasised that wellness has become an integral part of daily life, and the fairs offer a wide range of products and experiences that support healthier, happier and more balanced lifestyles. Ms Chong highlighted Hong Kong's role as an international business centre and key food trading hub, serving as a platform for global food enterprises to expand into the Chinese Mainland and other markets. Through events like Food Expo PRO and the International Conference on the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products (ICMCM), the HKTDC fosters cross-border and cross-sector collaboration, strengthening Hong Kong's position as a bridge connecting the Chinese Mainland with international markets.
Five Themed Days are designed to encourage visitors to embrace a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. 'Happy Eat Happy Life' on 13 August focuses on balanced nutrition, featuring wellness products such as cistanche health drinks, ready-to-eat bird's nest, and organic dried blueberries. The Home Delights Expo showcases a high-speed food processor for texture-modified meals, while the Beauty & Wellness Expo offers free health assessments. 'The World in Blink' on 14 August centres on global flavours, with delicacies from South Africa, Finland, Peru, and Asian favourites like pandan chiffon cakes and Thai tea. 'Coffee or Tea?' on 15 August highlights the dedicated Coffee Zone and the Hong Kong International Tea Fair, featuring rare teas and new zones like the Chinese Mainland Matcha Pavilion and Yixing Zisha Teaware Pavilion. 'Stay Fresh, Stay Ahead' on 16 August focuses on premium fresh produce, introducing the new 'Hong Kong Harvest' brand and hosting 15 star chefs in the Gourmet Zone. 'Let's Chill' on 17 August wraps up with relaxation, introducing the 'Stay Relax' zone and 'Go Sleep Exp' exhibit, along with a new Dessert and Gelato Theme.
Food Expo PRO, open to trade buyers on 13-14 August and to both trade and public on 15 August, introduces a new 'Meat Zone' and 'Food Science and Technology Zone' highlighting alternative proteins and future foods. For the first time, pet food products are featured, with a Hong Kong exhibitor using patented packaging to preserve nutrition without preservatives. The halal food and beverage label returns for the third consecutive year, with over 130 exhibitors from various markets. The ICMCM conference, expanded to three days, focuses on clinical translation and regulatory policies for traditional medicine, featuring over 30 speakers from around the world.
To celebrate the HKTDC's 60th anniversary, special promotions include free admission before noon for the first 600 visitors daily with designated leaflets, '6'-themed offers from exhibitors, and lucky draws with prizes worth over HK$1 million. Visitors can also enjoy the 'Smart Bidding' sessions and access the 'August Happy Buy' website for deals. E-tickets are available through various platforms, and no physical tickets will be issued. The fairs are open from 10am to 10pm on most days, with varying hours on the final day. Admission tickets range from HK$10 for morning or evening entry to HK$40 for combo tickets, with concessions for persons with disabilities and free entry for children under three and seniors aged 65 or above.
