The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) opened its 36th Food Expo, along with the Beauty & Wellness Expo and Home Delights Expo, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Running from August 13 to 17, the fairs bring together over 1,850 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions, creating a vibrant marketplace that spans food, tea, home living, beauty, and wellness. Under the central theme 'Live Well. Stay Well,' the events aim to support healthier, happier, and more balanced lifestyles.
Financial Secretary Paul Chan officiated the opening ceremony, joined by HKTDC Council Member Dr. Jonathan Choi and Executive Director Sophia Chong. Dr. Choi emphasized that wellness has become integral to everyday life, reflected in the food and beverages we enjoy, how we care for our homes, and our physical and mental well-being. Sophia Chong highlighted Hong Kong's role as an international business center and key food trading hub, serving as a platform for global enterprises to expand into the Chinese Mainland and other markets. Through events like Food Expo PRO and the International Conference on the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products (ICMCM), the HKTDC fosters cross-border collaboration.
The fairs feature Five Themed Days to promote quality living. On 'Happy Eat Happy Life' (August 13), visitors can explore wellness-focused products such as cistanche health drinks, ready-to-eat bird's nest, and organic dried blueberries. The Home Delights Expo showcases a high-speed food processor for texture-modified meals, while the Beauty & Wellness Expo offers health assessments at the Mannings booth. The Department of Health's 'EatSmart Restaurant Star+' encourages healthier dining options.
'The World in Blink' (August 14) centers on visual enjoyment with global delicacies including South African honey, Finnair's inflight chocolates, and Chiu Chow style foie gras toast. Asian flavors feature pandan chiffon cakes from Singapore and Korean probiotic yoghurt. The Beauty & Wellness Expo displays innovative beauty devices and clear aligners. Cultural activities like embroidery workshops and ethnic dance performances add international flair.
'Coffee or Tea?' (August 15) highlights the dedicated Coffee Zone with Yunnan coffees, Myanmar Arabica, and Kona coffee. The Hong Kong International Tea Fair presents rare teas like purple bud raw Pu'er and matcha from the new Chinese Mainland Matcha Pavilion. The inaugural Yixing Zisha Teaware Pavilion showcases traditional purple clay teaware, and a 'Tea Lifestyle' zone features innovative tea beverages and Zen-inspired bonsai displays.
'Stay Fresh, Stay Ahead' (August 16) focuses on premium fresh produce. Hong Kong's Fish Marketing Organization and Vegetable Marketing Organization introduce their new brand 'Hong Kong Harvest.' The Chinese Mainland pavilion presents hundreds of agricultural products, including Yunnan ham and Xinjiang wines. The Gourmet Zone, celebrating its 15th edition, hosts 15 star chefs for cooking demonstrations, with a commemorative recipe book available.
'Let's Chill' (August 17) introduces the 'Stay Relax' zone in the Beauty & Wellness Expo with red-light therapy pods. The Home Delights Expo hosts 'Go Sleep Exp' by the Sleep Health Association, exploring the sleep journey. The Food Expo adds a new Dessert and Gelato Theme with over 100 desserts, including Hong Kong's first chewy treats themed market.
For trade visitors, Food Expo PRO introduces a 'Meat Zone' and 'Food Science and Technology Zone,' focusing on wellness trends and alternative foods. Pet Food products debut with patented packaging technology for room-temperature storage. The halal food label returns for the third year with over 130 exhibitors.
The ICMCM, expanded to three days, focuses on 'Clinical Translation, Regulatory Policies and Global Innovative Pathways of Traditional Medicine.' Over 30 speakers from various regions will discuss Chinese medicine research and regulatory trends, with hybrid physical-online participation.
To celebrate HKTDC's 60th anniversary, special promotions include free admission before noon with designated leaflets (quota 600 per day), '6'-themed offers, and daily lucky draws with prizes worth over HK$1 million. Visitors can also participate in 'Smart Bidding' sessions and access the 'August Happy Buy' campaign website at August Happy Buy for deals. E-tickets are available through various platforms, and morning and evening admission tickets return.
The fairs underscore Hong Kong's position as a bridge connecting the Chinese Mainland and international markets, supporting the high-quality development of the food and health industries.
