The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) today concluded its five flagship fairs, which together set an all-time attendance record and underscored robust consumer demand for health and wellness solutions. The Food Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo, and Home Delights Expo ran from August 13 to 17, while the trade-focused Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair closed on August 15. The events brought together over 1,850 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions, attracting over 520,000 public visits—a record high. Per capita spending also climbed to HK$1,685, reflecting sustained consumer confidence and a strong appetite for gourmet food, healthy living, and quality home products.
The trade fairs, Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair, drew approximately 20,000 buyers from 64 countries and regions, including Chinese Mainland, Macao, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and ASEAN nations such as Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines. This international participation reinforced Hong Kong's position as a premier food trading hub. The International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products, organized by the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA) together with the HKTDC and ten scientific research institutions, also concluded successfully on August 15, featuring over 30 distinguished speakers who discussed innovation, research, and development in Chinese medicine.
Smilely Lam, Associate Executive Director of the HKTDC, noted: "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, themed 'Live Well · Stay Well', showcased the latest trends in the health and wellness sector and created more business opportunities for the industry. The event also saw multiple cooperation and procurement agreements, underscoring Hong Kong's role as a trade platform connecting Chinese Mainland and international markets.
A survey conducted during the fairs, interviewing over 1,430 visitors, revealed that 87% of respondents spent in line with or above their budget. Over 80% expressed interest in health and wellness products, with the most sought-after categories being health and functional foods (62%), health supplements and nutritional products (51%), and physical and mental wellness products (40%). Notably, more than half of respondents recognized the halal food and beverage label, and 51% noted the silver-age products and services showcased, indicating growth potential in these markets.
The public fairs featured themed days and interactive experiences, attracting strong crowds and generating significant sales. For instance, Uni-China Group expected total sales of HK$1 million to HK$1.4 million from its 12 participating exhibitors. Vogue Bio, a local wellness brand, saw its buy-one-get-one-free promotion exceed expectations, with projected sales of over HK$1 million. The Home Delights Expo showcased smart home solutions and sleep technology, with the Sleep Health Association's 'Go Sleep Exp' drawing visitors eager to learn about improving sleep quality.
In a significant development, the Chinese Mainland premium agricultural products "Going Global" exchange and matchmaking event recorded intended transactions exceeding HK$1.8 billion, setting new records. The event facilitated MoUs between the HKSAR Government's Environment and Ecology Bureau and representatives from Hunan, Xizang, and Shandong to strengthen cooperation. Peng Tingjun, Director-General of the Agricultural Trade Promotion Center of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of China, highlighted that over 100 agricultural enterprises from more than 10 provinces brought over 1,000 specialty products to Hong Kong, helping Chinese agriculture reach global markets.
International participation was robust, with the Korea Pavilion expanding by 40% to become the largest overseas pavilion, featuring over 130 exhibitors. The HKTDC signed an MoU with the Korea Agro-fisheries & Food Trade Corporation to strengthen ties. Kim Kwangseok, Branch Director of the Corporation's Hong Kong office, emphasized 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, attracted over 130 food suppliers. Tai Po Chun Hing, a local heritage brand, presented halal-certified beef tendon balls and carbon-neutral beef balls, meeting ESG standards. The company met over 20 buyers on the first day and expects orders worth between HK$500,000 and HK$1 million. Singapore-based SBY Frozen Food Supply identified Brazilian suppliers for raw beef and chicken, estimating annual procurement of US$3-5 million.
The Food Science and Technology Zone highlighted innovative food technologies, including pet food solutions. IXON Food Technology received enquiries from over 200 buyers on the first day, with potential business value estimated at US$500,000 to US$1.3 million. The Coffee Zone at Food Expo PRO underscored the growing coffee market, with the Hawaii Coffee Association connecting with more than 100 buyers. Prof. Simon Wong, Chairman of the Belt and Road International Coffee Alliance, noted that the Alliance would connect around 150 Belt and Road markets, consolidating Hong Kong's role as an international coffee trading hub.
The Hong Kong International Tea Fair introduced a 'Tea Lifestyle' zone, featuring innovative tea beverages and products. BASAO, a local tea brand, conducted around 30 business meetings and connected with potential partners from Thailand, Japan, and Egypt, as well as local enterprises like Cathay Pacific and Yung Kee. The Chinese Mainland Matcha Pavilion attracted interest from buyers worldwide, with a Thai company expressing interest in purchasing around 20 tonnes of matcha powder. The Kenya Pavilion reported potential business deals exceeding US$10 million, and the Tea Board of Kenya signed an MoU with HKTDC to strengthen cooperation.
Both trade fairs continued the hybrid exhibition model "EXHIBITION+", allowing global buyers to conduct business online through the Click2Match platform until August 22. The International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products, themed "Clinical Translation, Regulatory Policies and Global Innovative Pathways of Traditional Medicine", brought together over 30 experts from 11 countries and regions to discuss international regulations and market trends, promoting global cooperation in Chinese medicine.
These record-breaking fairs highlight Hong Kong's resilience as a trade hub and its ability to adapt to evolving consumer preferences, particularly the growing focus on health and wellness. The strong attendance and spending figures signal a vibrant consumer market and offer significant opportunities for businesses in the food and wellness sectors.
