The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) today concluded seven flagship lifestyle and licensing events, attracting over 95,000 buyers from 134 countries and regions. The events, which included the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, Fashion InStyle, Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair, DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, Hong Kong International Licensing Show, and Asian Licensing Conference, showcased Hong Kong's strengths in lifestyle, cultural and creative design, brand development, and intellectual property.
Non-local buyers primarily came from Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, and Japan, with significant growth from the Philippines, Canada, and Türkiye. Jenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, emphasized that the events align with the national 15th Five-Year Plan, reinforcing Hong Kong's role as a regional intellectual property trading hub. “The seven flagship events fully showcased Hong Kong's distinctive strengths in lifestyle, cultural and creative design, brand development, and intellectual property, offering global buyers a rich and diverse array of sourcing options,” Koo said.
Survey results from 1,541 exhibitors and buyers indicated that nearly half (49%) expect sales growth in the next one to two years, with the greatest challenges being global economic fluctuations (47.8%), geopolitical tensions (37.2%), and protectionist measures (33.7%). Respondents identified ASEAN countries, Taiwan, India, Korea, and Chinese Mainland as promising markets. Product trends highlighted cultural gifts, sustainable gifts, and tech gifts in the gifts and premiums market; designer furniture, interior decoration, and smart home technology in home products; and designer clothing, urban clothing, and womenswear in fashion.
Cross-sector opportunities were evident, with Semk Holdings International Limited showcasing B.Duck co-branded IP products and connecting with buyers from Mexico, Canada, Europe, and Southeast Asia. The UAE made its debut at the Gifts & Premium Fair, with Alpha Art founder Mohanmed Alayat reporting around 40 new clients and potential orders of US$1 million. Three MOUs were signed, including with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanxi Provincial Committee and Fujian Sub-Council, and the Busan Economic Promotion Agency, to deepen trade ties.
Fashion InStyle featured the NEXT@Fashion InStyle zone with over 60 new material exhibitors. Textile Library from Hangzhou returned after connecting with a Thai exhibitor last year, showcasing self-developed epoch-poly fabrics. Mary Ma, Founder of Textile Library, noted strong interest and several cooperation intentions. New High Limited, a swimwear and sportswear exhibitor, connected with 50 potential buyers, including from Dubai and North Africa, with expected orders of US$100,000. Kolon Industries FnC from Korea and Brazilian brand Amaro also identified suppliers and materials, with Amaro expecting an initial order of US$100,000.
Home InStyle introduced innovative materials for homeware and home textiles. Lotux International Holdings presented biodegradable cutlery and deodorising cat litter made from lotus stems. Director Daphne Wan reported discussions with a houseware company for eco-friendly straws and interest from the Hong Kong Furniture and Decoration Trade Association. allcareAI Limited debuted an infection-prevention mobile toilet, receiving over 20 enquiries from care homes and potential partners. CEO Phil Woo noted that the Reimagine themed floor helped raise the profile of gerontechnology.
The Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong attracted buyers like Hot Packaging LLC from the Middle East, sourcing eco-friendly packaging solutions. Anas Bin Haneef, Senior Commercial Officer, connected with 12 suppliers and plans to introduce corrugated paper bags and biodegradable products to the UAE market. W.H.Y. Brand Consultancy, participating for the first time, connected with printers and design firms, with founder William Yeung expecting around US$400,000 in business.
At the Hong Kong International Licensing Show, Postgal Workshop reached an agreement with Malaysia's M&M Creations Holdings for its IP “Din Dong,” valued over US$200,000. The Asian Licensing Conference featured industry leaders discussing trends, including consumer behaviour shifts. Maura Regan, President and CEO of Licensing International, stated, “We remain convinced that we'll see significant growth across property types. The licensing industry is not slowing down.”
