The Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s (HKTDC) series of summer fairs concluded on 18 August, drawing over 500,000 visits to experience new flavours and products presented by some 1,890 exhibitors.
The Food Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo and Home Delights Expo wrapped up on 18 August while Food Expo PRO and the Hong Kong International Tea Fair concluded two days earlier.
Apart from a wide variety of products available for taste-testing and purchase, the fairs offered a busy lineup of seminars, product demonstrations and masterclasses such as a hands-on demonstration of traditional Hakka ‘hand-pulled’ noodles and an engaging introduction to the culture and history of bamboo steamers.
A survey of 1,440 visitors revealed they spent an average of HK$1,630 per person, with over 58% reporting spending upwards of HK$1,000, and over 30% indicating they had exceeded their original budgets.
The survey results also showed strong interest in health-related trends with 48% highlighting green and organic food and 36% noting nutritional supplements as areas worth attention. Among those aware of the exhibition’s halal food and beverage label, 52% believed it helps promote the development of halal foods.
Apart from Hong Kong, buyers came from Mainland China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, as well as Southeast Asia, highlighting Hong Kong's significant role as a global food trade hub.
Halal, coffee, global food highlights
Building on last year’s introduction of the halal food and beverage label – designed to help exhibitors expand into the halal market - this year more than 120 food suppliers showcased halal products from around the world, a 20% increase compared to the previous year.
At Food Expo PRO, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries and the Incorporated Trustees of the Islamic Community Fund of Hong Kong jointly launched the “Hong Kong Q-Mark Halal Scheme.” This initiative marks a collaborative effort to promote halal certification and its broader development, aiming to foster the sustainable growth of halal products and culture in Hong Kong.
A highlight this year was the debut of the Coffee Zone, showcasing coffee products, accessories and machines from various origins. The zone proved popular with visitors and buyers. Jin Lu, Operations Director of CSFA Holdings said he was considering placing an order for approximately 50 metric tons of coffee beans (worth around RMB3 million) from a supplier based in Yunnan.
Meanwhile, in the Food Science and Technology Zone, alternative and future food innovations were showcased such as soft food products for the elderly developed by My Care Healthcare. Founder Francis Ho reported engaging with nearly 120 buyers on the first day alone and said the company is in talks with two hospitals regarding orders.
Four companies from Okinawa participated in Food Expo PRO. According to a coordinator, the fair has been instrumental in introducing Okinawan products - such as soft shell turtle and Motobu beef - to Hong Kong and nearby cities that have not been shown in other markets before.
For the first time, the Hong Kong International Tea Fair welcomed both trade and public visitors on all three days. Yip Wing-chi, Founder of exhibitor Lock Cha Tea House, praised the move and noted that there was a significant increase in foot traffic, resulting in sales tripling over last year.
At the Beauty & Wellness Expo, Taiwan whey protein brand Mars reported strong sales with on-site orders expected to increase by 30% according to the brand’s marketing manager.
Similarly at the Home Delights Expo, staff at interior design and decoration firm Renovation Guide said the fair exceeded their expectations and estimate sales turnover will be around HK$2-3 million.
Despite challenges from sluggish trade in traditional markets and geopolitical challenges, the HKTDC continues to prioritise innovative trade experiences, helping SME’s keep up with global trade trends and creating opportunities through innovative and flexible thinking.
Said HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong: “At this year's Food Expo and Food Expo PRO, we specifically curated products and services related to halal food, the silver economy, and food technology to meet emerging market demand and capture more business opportunities for exhibitors. We are pleased to see that the five exhibitions successfully generated more business for exhibitors, and the public enjoyed a complete culinary and shopping experience."
To round off the event series, the International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products wrapped up on 15 August disseminating the latest professional insights into traditional Chinese medicine and showcasing innovative achievements and global development trends in the sector.