The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced that its five concurrent fairs—Food Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo, Home Delights Expo, Food Expo PRO, and Hong Kong International Tea Fair—concluded successfully, drawing over 520,000 public visits, an all-time record. The events, themed 'Live Well · Stay Well,' showcased 1,850 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions, and highlighted the growing consumer focus on health and wellness. Per capita spending at the public fairs reached HK$1,685, up from previous years, with 87% of surveyed visitors stating their spending met or exceeded their budgets.
The trade fairs, Food Expo PRO and the Tea Fair, attracted approximately 20,000 buyers from 64 countries and regions, underscoring Hong Kong's role as a regional food trading hub. Smilely Lam, HKTDC's Associate Executive Director, noted that the fairs' success reflects strong market demand for quality food, healthy living, and novel experiences. She emphasized that exhibitors and buyers concluded multiple cooperation agreements, highlighting Hong Kong's position as a bridge between Chinese Mainland and international markets.
A survey conducted during the fairs revealed that over 80% of respondents expressed interest in health and wellness products, with 62% interested in health and functional foods, 51% in supplements, and 40% in wellness products. The halal food label, featured for the third year, was recognized by over half of respondents as beneficial for promoting halal products. The silver-age market also showed growth potential, with 51% noting related products.
The public fairs generated significant sales. Uni-China Group expected HK$1 million to HK$1.4 million in sales across its 12 exhibitors. Vogue Bio, a Hong Kong wellness brand, projected sales exceeding HK$1 million, surpassing expectations. The Home Delights Expo introduced a sleep experiential project by the Sleep Health Association, attracting strong interest.
For trade attendees, the fairs facilitated substantial business deals. The Chinese Mainland premium agricultural products 'Going Global' event saw intended transactions surpassing HK$1.8 billion. The Xizang Pavilion signed an MOU with a Hong Kong importer for cordyceps, with annual cooperation value exceeding RMB100 million. The Korea Pavilion expanded by 40%, becoming the largest overseas pavilion, and HKTDC signed an MOU with the Korea Agro-fisheries & Food Trade Corporation.
Halal food and food technology were key highlights. Tai Po Chun Hing, a local heritage brand, reported meeting over 20 buyers on day one, expecting orders of HK$500,000 to HK$1 million. Singapore-based SBY Frozen Food Supply identified Brazilian suppliers for halal meat, with potential annual procurement of US$3-5 million. IXON Food Technology received enquiries from 200 buyers, with potential business value of US$500,000 to US$1.3 million.
The Coffee Zone at Food Expo PRO highlighted market growth, with Hawaii Coffee Association connecting with over 100 buyers. The Tea Fair introduced a 'Tea Lifestyle' zone, and BASAO, a local tea brand, conducted 30 business meetings. The Chinese Mainland Matcha Pavilion attracted interest from Thai buyers for 20 tonnes of matcha powder. The Kenya Pavilion reported potential deals exceeding US$10 million.
The fairs adopted a hybrid 'EXHIBITION+' model, allowing online negotiations via Click2Match until August 22. The International Conference on Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products also concluded, featuring over 30 speakers and promoting international cooperation in Chinese medicine.
