The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced the successful conclusion of its five concurrent fairs—Food Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo, Home Delights Expo, Food Expo PRO, and Hong Kong International Tea Fair—which together attracted over 520,000 public visits, an all-time record. The events, themed 'Live Well · Stay Well', ran from 13 to 17 August, with the trade fairs concluding on 15 August. Organizers reported per-capita spending reached a new high of HK$1,685, reflecting strong consumer sentiment and growing interest in health and wellness solutions.
The fairs brought together over 1,850 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions. The trade-focused Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair drew approximately 20,000 buyers from 64 countries and regions, including Chinese Mainland, Japan, Korea, and ASEAN nations such as Indonesia and Thailand. This international participation underscores Hong Kong's unique position as a food trading hub, connecting Chinese Mainland with global markets.
Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of HKTDC, noted, 'This year's fairs received an enthusiastic response. Attendance recorded solid growth, and per capita spending reached a record high alongside visitor numbers, reflecting the strong market demand for quality food, healthy living and novel experiences.' She added that the fairs showcased the latest trends in health and wellness, creating more business opportunities for the industry.
A survey conducted during the fairs revealed that over 80% of respondents were interested in health and wellness products, with health and functional foods (62%), supplements (51%), and wellness lifestyle items (40%) being the most popular categories. Additionally, more than half of respondents recognized the value of halal certification, and 51% noted silver-age products, indicating growth potential in these segments.
The public fairs featured themed days and interactive experiences, driving strong visitor engagement. For instance, the Food Expo's Gourmet Zone introduced a chewy treats market, which was well-received. Exhibitors reported significant sales, with Uni-China Group expecting total sales of HK$1 million to HK$1.4 million. Vogue Bio, a local wellness brand, saw its exclusive promotion exceed expectations, projecting sales over HK$1 million.
In the trade sector, the HKTDC facilitated cross-border business matching, particularly for Chinese Mainland enterprises. The fourth consecutive 'Going Global' event saw intended transactions exceeding HK$1.8 billion, with Memoranda of Understanding signed between Hong Kong and Hunan, Xizang, and Shandong. The Korea Pavilion expanded by 40%, becoming the largest overseas pavilion, and HKTDC signed an MoU with Korea Agro-fisheries & Food Trade Corporation to strengthen cooperation.
Halal food was a highlight, with over 130 suppliers showcasing halal products. Tai Po Chun Hing, a local heritage brand, debuted at Food Expo PRO and reported meeting over 20 buyers from the Philippines, Thailand, and the Middle East, expecting orders worth HK$500,000 to HK$1 million. Singapore-based SBY Frozen Food Supply identified Brazilian beef and chicken suppliers, estimating annual procurement of US$3-5 million.
The Food Science and Technology Zone attracted strong buyer interest, with IXON Food Technology receiving enquiries from over 200 buyers on the first day alone. The Coffee Zone at Food Expo PRO also saw growing interest, with first-time exhibitor Hawaii Coffee Association connecting with over 100 buyers. The Hong Kong International Tea Fair introduced a new 'Tea Lifestyle' zone and Chinese Mainland Matcha Pavilion, with Hangzhou Jingshan Tea Development reporting a Thai company's interest in purchasing around 20 tonnes of matcha powder.
The fairs continued to use a hybrid 'EXHIBITION+' model, allowing online negotiations via the 'Click2Match' platform until 22 August. The International Conference on Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products also concluded, drawing over 30 speakers from 11 countries to discuss regulatory policies and innovation in traditional medicine.
The record attendance and spending underscore sustained consumer appetite for quality, health-oriented products, and reinforce Hong Kong's role as a vital trade platform. As Ms. Lam stated, 'Products with sustainable development concepts and international certifications such as Halal are gaining popularity, reflecting the industry's proactive response to consumers' pursuit of healthy living and responsible consumption, injecting growth momentum into the market.'
