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, attracting over 520,000 public visits, an all-time record. Per capita spending reached HK$1,685, a new high, reflecting robust consumer sentiment and strong demand for health and wellness products.
The trade fairs drew some 20,000 buyers from 64 countries and regions, including Chinese Mainland, Japan, Korea, and ASEAN nations. Smiley Lam, HKTDC Associate Executive Director, highlighted that the fairs' theme 'Live Well · Stay Well' showcased global food, wellness, and lifestyle products, creating business opportunities and reinforcing Hong Kong's role as an international food trading hub.
A survey of over 1,430 visitors revealed that 87% spent as much or more than budgeted, and over 80% expressed interest in health and wellness products. Top categories included health foods (62%), supplements (51%), and wellness products (40%). Additionally, 53% of respondents recognized the halal label's promotional value, and 51% noted silver-age products, indicating growing market potential.
The fairs featured five themed days, with the Food Expo's Gourmet Zone debuting Hong Kong's first chewy treats market. Exhibitors reported strong sales; Uni-China Group expected HK$1 million to HK$1.4 million in sales, and Vogue Bio anticipated over HK$1 million, exceeding expectations. The Beauty & Wellness Expo introduced a 'Stay Relax' zone, and the Home Delights Expo showcased sleep technology, with the Sleep Health Association's 'Go Sleep Exp' attracting significant interest.
In trade activities, the fourth 'Going Global' event for mainland agricultural products recorded intended transactions exceeding HK$1.8 billion, with MoUs signed between Hong Kong's Environment and Ecology Bureau and Hunan, Xizang, and Shandong. The Xizang Pavilion debuted, signing a MoU for cordyceps cooperation valued over RMB100 million annually. Korea's pavilion expanded by 40%, becoming the largest overseas pavilion, and HKTDC signed an MoU with Korea Agro-fisheries & Food Trade Corporation.
The halal food and beverage label, featured for the third year, attracted over 130 suppliers. Tai Po Chun Hing, a local heritage brand, met 20 buyers and expected orders of HK$500,000 to HK$1 million. Singapore's SBY Frozen Food Supply identified Brazilian suppliers, with potential annual procurement of US$3-5 million. The Food Science and Technology Zone drew strong interest; IXON Food Technology received 200 buyer enquiries, with potential business valued at US$500,000 to US$1.3 million.
The Coffee Zone highlighted market growth, with Hawaii Coffee Association connecting with 100 buyers. The Hong Kong International Tea Fair introduced a 'Tea Lifestyle' zone and a Matcha Pavilion, with a Thai company interested in 20 tonnes of matcha powder. Kenya's pavilion reported potential deals over US$10 million, and an MoU with HKTDC was signed.
The fairs adopted a hybrid 'EXHIBITION+' model, allowing online negotiations via Click2Match until 22 August. The International Conference on Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products concluded, featuring 30 experts discussing global pathways, and included public education displays.
These results underscore Hong Kong's unique advantages as a super-connector and its position as a global food trading hub, driving growth in health and wellness sectors.
