The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced that the Food Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo, and Home Delights Expo, along with the trade-focused Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair, attracted a record-breaking 520,000 public visits this year. The five concurrent fairs, held from August 13 to 17, brought together over 1,850 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions, showcasing the latest trends in food, wellness, and lifestyle products.
Per capita spending reached a new high of HK$1,685, with 87% of surveyed visitors indicating their actual spending met or exceeded their budget. The survey, which interviewed over 1,430 visitors, revealed that more than 80% expressed interest in health and wellness-related products, with 62% interested in health and functional foods, 51% in supplements and nutritional products, and 40% in mental and physical wellness items. This strong interest reflects a broader consumer shift toward healthy living, a trend that exhibitors and retailers are capitalizing on.
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." The fairs, themed 'Live Well · Stay Well,' were designed to align with this demand, featuring innovative products and experiences that cater to health-conscious consumers.
The trade fairs, Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair, attracted around 20,000 buyers from 64 countries and regions, including Chinese Mainland, Japan, Korea, and ASEAN nations. These events reinforced Hong Kong's position as a key food trading hub. For instance, the Chinese Mainland premium agricultural products "Going Global" exchange and matchmaking event recorded intended transactions exceeding HK$1.8 billion, a new record. The HKTDC also signed memorandums of understanding with Korean and Kenyan trade bodies to bolster international cooperation.
Exhibitors reported significant business outcomes. The Korea Pavilion expanded by 40% to become the largest overseas pavilion, with over 130 exhibitors. Henry Ling from Uni-China Group expected total sales of HK$1 million to HK$1.4 million. Alan Ho of Vogue Bio, a local wellness brand, projected sales exceeding HK$1 million, far surpassing expectations. The Xizang Pavilion, debuting this year, signed a memorandum with a Hong Kong importer for an estimated annual cooperation value exceeding RMB100 million. Similarly, Henan Yunong Youpin Operation Management connected with two wholesalers, targeting a cooperation scale of RMB10 million.
The halal food and beverage label, featured for the third consecutive year, attracted over 130 suppliers. Tai Po Chun Hing, a local heritage brand, showcased halal-certified beef tendon balls and met over 20 buyers from the Philippines, Thailand, and the Middle East on the first day, expecting orders between HK$500,000 and HK$1 million. SBY Frozen Food Supply from Singapore identified Brazilian suppliers for raw beef and chicken, estimating annual procurement of US$3 million to US$5 million.
Innovation was a key theme. The Food Science and Technology Zone featured cutting-edge food technologies, with IXON Food Technology receiving enquiries from over 200 buyers on the opening day, potentially generating US$500,000 to US$1.3 million in business. The Coffee Zone at Food Expo PRO highlighted the growing coffee market, with the Hawaii Coffee Association connecting with over 100 buyers. The Hong Kong International Tea Fair introduced a new "Tea Lifestyle" zone, and the Chinese Mainland Matcha Pavilion reported interest from a Thai company in purchasing around 20 tonnes of matcha powder.
The fairs also served as a platform for knowledge exchange. The International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products, held concurrently, brought together over 30 experts from 11 countries to discuss clinical translation and regulatory policies. The conference, funded by the HKSAR Government's Chinese Medicine Development Fund, aimed to promote international cooperation in Chinese medicine.
HKTDC's "EXHIBITION+" hybrid model allowed global buyers to participate online, with negotiations continuing until August 22 via the Click2Match platform. This approach ensures that business opportunities extend beyond the physical event, further solidifying Hong Kong's role as a two-way gateway for international trade.
