The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced the successful conclusion of its five food and wellness fairs, which attracted over 520,000 public visits, setting a new record. The fairs, including the Food Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo, Home Delights Expo, Food Expo PRO, and Hong Kong International Tea Fair, brought together over 1,850 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions. Per capita spending reached HK$1,685, up from previous years, reflecting vibrant consumer sentiment and strong demand for gourmet food, healthy living, and quality home products.
The trade-focused exhibitions, Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair, drew around 20,000 buyers from 64 countries and regions, including Chinese Mainland, Japan, Korea, and ASEAN nations. This underscores Hong Kong's unique position as a food trading hub, connecting international markets with the Chinese Mainland. Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of HKTDC, noted that the fairs' theme 'Live Well · Stay Well' showcased the latest trends in health and wellness, creating business opportunities for the industry. She highlighted the growing demand for health and functional products, convenience foods, specialty foods, and premium tea, as well as products with sustainability and halal certifications.
A survey of over 1,430 visitors revealed that 87% spent in line with or above their budget, and more than 80% expressed interest in health and wellness products. The most sought-after categories included health and functional foods (62%), supplements (51%), and wellness products (40%). The halal food label, featured for the third year, was recognized by over half of respondents as beneficial for promoting halal products. The fairs also showcased silver-age products, indicating growth potential in that market.
The public fairs featured themed days and special offers, driving strong traffic and sales. For instance, Uni-China Group expected total sales of HK$1 million to HK$1.4 million from its 12 participating exhibitors. Vogue Bio, a Hong Kong wellness brand, saw its buy-one-get-one-free promotion exceed expectations, with projected sales over HK$1 million. The Beauty & Wellness Expo introduced a 'Stay Relax' zone and aroma-emotion testing, while the Home Delights Expo highlighted smart home solutions and sleep technology, including a 'Go Sleep Exp' experiential project by the Sleep Health Association.
Trade fairs also facilitated significant business deals. The Chinese Mainland premium agricultural products 'Going Global' event recorded intended transactions exceeding HK$1.8 billion, with MoUs signed between Hong Kong's Environment and Ecology Bureau and representatives from Hunan, Xizang, and Shandong. Xizang's Nagqu cordyceps secured a MoU with a Hong Kong importer, estimated at over RMB100 million annually. Henan Yunong Youpin connected with wholesalers, targeting RMB10 million in cooperation.
The Korea Pavilion expanded by 40% to become the largest overseas pavilion, and HKTDC signed a MoU with the Korea Agro-fisheries & Food Trade Corporation. Korean exhibitors used Hong Kong as a springboard for the Greater Bay Area and Chinese Mainland markets. Halal food exhibitors like Tai Po Chun Hing met buyers from the Philippines, Thailand, and the Middle East, expecting orders between HK$500,000 and HK$1 million. Singapore's SBY Frozen Food Supply identified Brazilian suppliers, estimating annual procurement of US$3-5 million.
The Food Science and Technology Zone attracted strong interest, with IXON Food Technology receiving over 200 enquiries on the first day, indicating potential business of US$500,000 to US$1.3 million. The Coffee Zone highlighted market growth, with the Hawaii Coffee Association connecting with over 100 buyers. The Hong Kong International Tea Fair introduced a 'Tea Lifestyle' zone and Chinese Mainland Matcha Pavilion, where a Thai company showed interest in purchasing 20 tonnes of matcha powder. The Kenya Pavilion reported potential deals exceeding US$10 million.
The fairs adopted a hybrid model, 'EXHIBITION+', allowing online negotiations until 22 August via the 'Click2Match' platform. The International Conference on Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products also concluded, featuring over 30 experts from 11 countries discussing regulatory policies and innovation. The conference emphasized Hong Kong's role in promoting international cooperation in Chinese medicine.
Overall, the record attendance and spending underscore the resilience of Hong Kong's consumer market and the growing demand for health and wellness solutions. The fairs reinforced Hong Kong's status as a premier food trade hub, facilitating business connections and trade deals across the region.
