The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced the successful conclusion of its five food and lifestyle fairs, which together attracted over 520,000 public visits, a record high. The events, including the Food Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo, Home Delights Expo, Food Expo PRO, and Hong Kong International Tea Fair, featured more than 1,850 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions. Per capita spending at the public fairs reached HK$1,685, reflecting strong consumer confidence and a growing preference for health and wellness products.
The trade-focused fairs, Food Expo PRO and the Hong Kong International Tea Fair, drew around 20,000 buyers from 64 countries and regions, including significant participation from Chinese Mainland, ASEAN countries, Japan, and Korea. This international turnout highlights Hong Kong's unique position as a food trading hub, connecting mainland Chinese suppliers with global markets. The HKTDC's Associate Executive Director, Smilely Lam, emphasized that the record attendance and spending demonstrate the market's robust demand for quality food, healthy living, and novel experiences. She noted that the fairs' theme, 'Live Well · Stay Well', showcased the latest trends in health and wellness, creating new business opportunities for the industry.
A survey conducted during the fairs revealed that 87% of visitors' spending met or exceeded their budgets, with over 80% expressing interest in health and wellness products. Top categories included health and functional foods (62%), supplements (51%), and mental and physical wellness items (40%). The survey also highlighted growing interest in halal-certified products and silver-age offerings, indicating potential for market expansion.
The public fairs featured themed days and special zones, such as the Food Expo's Gourmet Zone and the Beauty & Wellness Expo's 'Stay Relax' zone, which drew enthusiastic crowds. Exhibitors reported strong sales; for example, Uni-China Group anticipated total sales of HK$1 million to HK$1.4 million, while Vogue Bio expected sales to exceed HK$1 million. The Home Delights Expo introduced the 'Go Sleep Exp' experiential zone, attracting visitors interested in sleep health.
A key highlight was the Chinese Mainland premium agricultural products 'Going Global' matchmaking event, which facilitated MoUs between Hong Kong and Hunan, Xizang, and Shandong, with intended transactions exceeding HK$1.8 billion. The Xizang Pavilion made its debut and secured a partnership with a Hong Kong importer valued at over RMB100 million annually. Additionally, the Korea Pavilion expanded by 40% and signed a MoU with HKTDC, underscoring Hong Kong's role as a springboard for international brands entering the Greater Bay Area.
The fairs also emphasized sustainability and innovation. The halal food and beverage label was featured for the third consecutive year, with over 130 suppliers participating. Local heritage brand Tai Po Chun Hing introduced halal-certified beef tendon balls, while Singapore-based SBY Frozen Food Supply identified Brazilian suppliers for raw meat. The Food Science and Technology Zone showcased novel food tech, attracting significant buyer interest. The Coffee Zone highlighted the growing coffee market, 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, facilitating substantial business deals. The Kenya Pavilion reported potential deals exceeding US$10 million, and a Thai company expressed interest in purchasing 20 tonnes of matcha powder. The fairs adopted a hybrid 'EXHIBITION+' model, allowing online negotiations until 22 August via the Click2Match platform.
The International Conference on the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products concluded successfully, featuring over 30 speakers from 11 countries. The conference focused on clinical translation and regulatory policies, promoting international cooperation. Public education displays and forums at the Food Expo aimed to increase awareness of Chinese medicine's benefits.
These record-breaking fairs underscore Hong Kong's resilience as a consumer market and its strategic importance as a global trade hub for food, wellness, and lifestyle products. The strong turnout and high spending reflect shifting consumer priorities toward health and sustainability, offering valuable insights for industry stakeholders.
