The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced the successful conclusion of its five food-related fairs, which together attracted over 520,000 public visits, setting an all-time record. The events included the Food Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo, Home Delights Expo, Food Expo PRO, and Hong Kong International Tea Fair. The fairs, themed 'Live Well · Stay Well', brought together more than 1,850 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions, showcasing the latest trends in health and wellness.
Per capita spending among visitors reached a record high of HK$1,685, with 87% of respondents indicating their actual spending met or exceeded their budget. The survey revealed that over 80% of visitors expressed interest in health and wellness-related products, with health and functional foods (62%), health supplements (51%), and mental and physical wellness products (40%) being the most sought-after categories. The fairs also highlighted the growing popularity of halal-certified products and silver-age offerings, reflecting evolving consumer preferences.
The trade-focused exhibitions, Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair, drew around 20,000 buyers from 64 countries and regions, reinforcing Hong Kong's role as a global food trading hub. Notable business deals included a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the HKSAR Government's Environment and Ecology Bureau and representatives from Hunan, Xizang, and Shandong, aiming to strengthen cooperation in agricultural trade. The event recorded intended transactions exceeding HK$1.8 billion, a new record.
Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of the HKTDC, highlighted the fairs' success in connecting international participants and facilitating trade. She noted that buyers' purchasing intentions indicate growing demand for health and functional products, convenience foods, specialty foods, and premium tea, as well as products with sustainable development concepts and international certifications.
Exhibitors reported strong sales and business outcomes. Uni-China Group expected total sales of HK$1 million to HK$1.4 million across its 12 participating booths. Hong Kong wellness brand Vogue Bio anticipated sales exceeding HK$1 million, surpassing expectations. The Korea Pavilion expanded by 40% to become the largest overseas pavilion, with over 130 exhibitors. Kim Kwangseok, Branch Director of the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, emphasized Hong Kong's strategic importance as a springboard to the Greater Bay Area and Chinese Mainland markets.
The fairs also showcased innovative products and technologies. The Food Expo's Gourmet Zone featured Hong Kong's first chewy treats themed market, while the Beauty & Wellness Expo introduced the 'Stay Relax' zone. The Home Delights Expo included a 'Go Sleep Exp' experiential project by the Sleep Health Association, which attracted significant visitor interest. The Food Expo PRO's 'Food Science and Technology Zone' featured pet food solutions that drew strong buyer interest, with IXON Food Technology receiving enquiries from over 200 buyers on the first day.
The Hong Kong International Tea Fair introduced a new 'Tea Lifestyle' zone and the Chinese Mainland Matcha Pavilion. The Kenya Pavilion reported potential business deals exceeding US$10 million. David Muriuki, Deputy Director of Trade Advisory of the Tea Board of Kenya, noted that one exhibitor connected with more than 80 prospective partners. The fair also facilitated cross-industry collaborations, with BASAO, a local tea brand, engaging in around 30 business meetings with international buyers and local companies such as Cathay Pacific and Yung Kee.
The fairs adopted a hybrid 'EXHIBITION+' model, allowing global buyers to participate both physically and online. Until 22 August, exhibitors and buyers can continue negotiations through the 'Click2Match' platform. The International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products, held concurrently, brought together over 30 experts to discuss regulatory policies and global innovation pathways, promoting international cooperation in Chinese medicine.
The record attendance and spending figures underscore the resilience and vibrancy of Hong Kong's consumer market and its enduring appeal as a regional trade hub. The strong demand for health and wellness solutions, coupled with the successful business outcomes reported by exhibitors, signals continued growth opportunities for the industry.
