The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) opened its 36th Food Expo, along with the Beauty & Wellness Expo and Home Delights Expo, on August 13 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The three public fairs run concurrently for five days until August 17, under the central theme 'Live Well. Stay Well.' Also opening were the Food Expo PRO (August 13-15) and the Hong Kong International Tea Fair (August 13-15), alongside the International Conference on the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products (ICMCM).
The opening ceremony was officiated by Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, alongside Dr. Jonathan Choi, HKTDC Council Member, and Sophia Chong, HKTDC Executive Director. Dr. Choi highlighted the fairs' role in creating a vibrant marketplace spanning food, tea, home living, beauty, and wellness, reflecting the growing integration of wellness into daily life. Ms. Chong emphasized Hong Kong's position as a platform for global food enterprises to access the Chinese Mainland and international markets, fostering cross-border collaboration.
The fairs feature 'Five Themed Days' to promote quality living. On 'Happy Eat Happy Life' (August 13), wellness-focused products are showcased, including cistanche health drinks, ready-to-eat bird's nest, and organic dried blueberries. The Home Delights Expo presents a high-speed food processor for texture-modified meals, while the Beauty & Wellness Expo offers complimentary health assessments. The Department of Health also promotes the 'EatSmart Restaurant Star+' initiative.
'The World in Blink' (August 14) highlights global delicacies such as South African honey, Finnish chocolates, Peruvian cacao nibs, and Chiu Chow style foie gras toast. Asian flavours include pandan chiffon cakes from Singapore, Thai tea, and Korean probiotic yoghurt. Beauty innovations like home-use devices and clear aligners are also featured, along with cultural activities.
'Coffee or Tea?' (August 15) spotlights the Coffee Zone with Yunnan coffee and rare teas at the Tea Fair, including purple bud Pu'er and ceremonial-grade matcha. New zones include the Yixing Zisha Teaware Pavilion and 'Tea Lifestyle' area, with tea meditation and competitions.
'Stay Fresh, Stay Ahead' (August 16) focuses on premium produce, with the 'Hong Kong Harvest' brand and Chinese Mainland pavilions offering regional specialties. The Gourmet Zone celebrates its 15th edition with 15 star chefs and a commemorative recipe book.
'Let's Chill' (August 17) introduces the 'Stay Relax' zone with red-light therapy pods and the 'Go Sleep Exp' exhibit on sleep health. The Food Expo debuts a Dessert and Gelato Theme with over 100 desserts and Hong Kong's first chewy treats market.
For trade visitors, Food Expo PRO introduces a 'Meat Zone' and 'Food Science and Technology Zone', featuring alternative foods and pet food products. The halal food label returns for the third year, with over 130 halal-certified exhibitors.
The ICMCM, expanded to three days, focuses on 'Clinical Translation, Regulatory Policies and Global Innovative Pathways of Traditional Medicine', with over 30 speakers from various countries. It aims to support Hong Kong's role in Chinese medicine modernization.
To celebrate HKTDC's 60th anniversary, special promotions include free admission before noon (daily quota of 600) and '6'-themed offers. Visitors can also participate in lucky draws and the 'Smart Bidding' session. E-tickets are available through various platforms, and details are on the August Happy Buy website (https://ecoupon.hktdc.com/food/tabs/home).
