The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced that its five concurrent fairs – the Food Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo, Home Delights Expo, Food Expo PRO, and Hong Kong International Tea Fair – concluded successfully, drawing over 520,000 public visits, a record high. The fairs, themed 'Live Well · Stay Well', brought together over 1,850 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions, reflecting the sustained vibrancy of Hong Kong's consumer market and a robust demand for gourmet food, healthy living, and quality home products.
Per capita spending at the public fairs reached a new high of HK$1,685, with 87% of surveyed visitors indicating their actual spending matched or exceeded their budget. The survey, which interviewed over 1,430 visitors, found that more than 80% expressed interest in health and wellness-related products. Key product categories included health and functional foods (62%), health supplements and nutritional products (51%), and mental and physical wellness products (40%). Notably, 53% of respondents recognized the halal food and beverage label, and 51% noted silver-age products, indicating growth potential in these segments.
Smilely Lam, HKTDC Associate Executive Director, said, "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 successfully showcased the latest trends in the health and wellness sector, creating more business opportunities for the industry.
The trade fairs, Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair, attracted about 20,000 buyers from 64 countries and regions, including Chinese Mainland, Macao, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and ASEAN countries. The event facilitated multiple cooperation and procurement agreements, underscoring Hong Kong's role as a food trading hub. The Chinese Mainland premium agricultural products "Going Global" event recorded intended transactions exceeding HK$1.8 billion, setting new records. The HKTDC also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Korea Agro-fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, which expanded its pavilion by 40% to become the largest overseas pavilion.
Exhibitors reported strong sales and business connections. Henry Ling of Uni-China Group expected total sales of HK$1 million to HK$1.4 million from its 12 participating exhibitors. Alan Ho of Vogue Bio said the brand's buy-one-get-one-free promotion was well received, with expected sales exceeding HK$1 million. The Home Delights Expo featured the "Go Sleep Exp" by the Sleep Health Association, which drew strong visitor traffic.
First-time exhibitors also made significant strides. The Xizang Pavilion signed a MoU with a Hong Kong importer, with an estimated annual cooperation value exceeding RMB100 million. Henan Yunong Youpin Operation Management connected with two wholesalers, targeting a cooperation scale of RMB10 million. The Korea Pavilion's participation highlighted Hong Kong's strategic importance as a springboard for entering the Greater Bay Area and Chinese Mainland markets.
The halal food and beverage label, featured for the third consecutive year, showcased over 130 suppliers. Tai Po Chun Hing, a local heritage brand, presented halal-certified beef tendon balls and carbon-neutral beef balls, meeting ESG standards. SBY Frozen Food Supply from Singapore identified Brazilian suppliers, estimating annual procurement value of US$3 million to US$5 million.
Innovation was a key theme, with the Food Science and Technology Zone attracting strong buyer interest. IXON Food Technology received enquiries from over 200 buyers, with potential business value estimated between US$500,000 and US$1.3 million. The Coffee Zone highlighted market potential, with the Hawaii Coffee Association connecting with over 100 buyers. The Hong Kong International Tea Fair introduced the "Tea Lifestyle" zone and the Chinese Mainland Matcha Pavilion, which connected with buyers interested in purchasing substantial quantities of matcha powder and machines.
The International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products concluded successfully, bringing together over 30 experts from 11 countries to discuss clinical translation and regulatory policies. The event featured interactive games and public forums to promote Chinese medicine wellness culture.
The hybrid exhibition model "EXHIBITION+" allowed online negotiations until 22 August via the Click2Match platform, extending business opportunities beyond the physical fairs. The fairs' success reinforces Hong Kong's position as a two-way gateway for international trade, particularly in the food and wellness sectors.
