The 52nd HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, 17th HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair, and 24th Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair concluded at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, attracting approximately 82,000 buyers from 121 countries and regions. The four-day physical fairs, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and jointly with Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd for the stationery fair, adopted the HKTDC's hybrid EXHIBITION+ model, combining physical shows with online access through the Click2Match smart business matching platform until January 22.
The newly launched 'Pop & Play' pavilion at the Toys & Games Fair proved particularly significant, attracting about 10,000 public visits while facilitating connections between local toy brands and global buyers. Jenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, stated that the pavilion showcased 150 trendy intellectual properties (IPs) alongside various fair premieres and global limited-edition collectibles, helping amplify IP value through cultural integration and brand collaborations. This development matters because it demonstrates Hong Kong's evolving role in facilitating cross-industry partnerships that extend beyond traditional toy manufacturing into areas like theme parks, loyalty programs, and digital commerce platforms.
Ray Leung, Founder and CEO of Hong Kong exhibitor Matrix Promotion, reported establishing around 50 local business contacts through the pavilion, including cross-industry cooperation opportunities with theme parks, digital commerce platforms, and finance companies. The integration of B2C elements with B2B activities created an energetic atmosphere that facilitated collaborations, with onsite sales of IP products performing strongly. Lai Chi-ying, Hong Kong Sales Representative for popular IP character B.Duck, noted connecting with 30 potential clients from countries including Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Dubai, Russia, and North America, with participation expected to contribute around 10% of annual business growth.
Artificial intelligence integration emerged as another important trend, with Eastcolight (Hong Kong) Limited showcasing self-developed AI interactive story machines. Co-founder Salley Sze projected that AI products alone would generate at least US$1 million in annual sales through the fair, while other STEM product lines were projected to achieve US$2 million sales. This reflects the growing importance of educational technology in the toy industry and Hong Kong's position in developing innovative products for global markets.
Sustainable consumption remained a key focus across the fairs, with over 400 exhibitors displaying the Green Solutions green leaf label - double the number compared to 2024. Sandra Lopez Herreros, Sourcing Manager CMC of DeAgostini Collectibles from Spain, expressed particular interest in sustainable design, especially battery-free, hydraulic-powered eco-friendly toys from a Chinese Mainland supplier, with plans to place an order worth around US$1 million. The green leaf label, along with the Click2Match and Scan2Match platforms, helped buyers track products and stay updated on emerging trends like eco-friendly materials and AI integration.
The Baby Products Fair saw expansion in the World of Strollers and Gear and ODM Strollers and Gear zones, hosting approximately 230 exhibitors with increased exhibitor numbers and fair areas compared to last year. Roger Yan, Managing Director of Swedish exhibitor AXKID, recognized Hong Kong's role as an international trade and innovation hub, noting that one Bulgarian client placed an order for 2,000 child safety seats valued at approximately €1.7 million. This underscores Hong Kong's continued importance as a gateway for European companies accessing Asian markets.
The Stationery & School Supplies Fair welcomed first-time exhibitor Blaxall Optics Low Vision Limited from New Zealand, with Company Director Gang Cheng anticipating that contacts made through the physical fair and Click2Match platform would bring at least 5% annual growth, equivalent to US$100,000 in orders. The concurrent Asian Toys & Games Forum, themed 'Empowering the Toy Industry for Global Success,' provided industry insights from experts including Loo Wee Teck of Euromonitor International and Alex Lin of Disney Consumer Products, addressing key issues for toy manufacturers navigating global markets.
These developments are important because they demonstrate Hong Kong's strengthening position as a hub for cross-industry innovation, sustainable product development, and international trade facilitation. The successful integration of physical and digital platforms, combined with focused initiatives like the 'Pop & Play' pavilion and Happy Ageing label, creates new business opportunities while addressing evolving consumer demands for interactive, sustainable, and age-inclusive products.
