The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced the successful conclusion of its five food and wellness fairs, which together attracted over 520,000 public visits, setting an all-time record. The events, including the Food Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo, Home Delights Expo, Food Expo PRO, and Hong Kong International Tea Fair, brought together more than 1,850 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions. Per capita spending reached a record high of HK$1,685, with 87% of surveyed visitors saying their actual spending met or exceeded their budget, reflecting vibrant consumer sentiment.
The trade-oriented fairs, Food Expo PRO and the Hong Kong International Tea Fair, drew approximately 20,000 buyers from 64 countries and regions, including Chinese Mainland, Japan, Korea, and ASEAN nations. This international participation underscores Hong Kong's position as a key food trading hub connecting Chinese Mainland with global markets.
Smilely Lam, HKTDC Associate Executive Director, noted that this year's fairs, themed 'Live Well · Stay Well,' showcased the latest trends in health and wellness. She highlighted that exhibitors and buyers concluded multiple cooperation agreements, demonstrating strong market demand for health and functional foods, convenience foods, specialty foods, and premium teas. Products with sustainable development concepts and international certifications, such as Halal, are also gaining traction.
A survey conducted during the fairs revealed that over 80% of respondents expressed interest in health and wellness-related products. The most popular categories included health and functional foods (62%), health supplements (51%), and mental and physical wellness products (40%). Additionally, more than half of respondents recognized the value of Halal certification, and 51% noted the silver-age products showcased, indicating growth potential in these segments.
The public fairs featured five themed days, offering visitors a diverse range of international food, beauty, and home products. Notable highlights included the Food Expo's Gourmet Zone, which introduced Hong Kong's first chewy treats market, and the Beauty & Wellness Expo's aroma-emotion testing experience, which drew continuous crowds. The Home Delights Expo showcased smart home solutions and sleep technology, including a 'Go Sleep Exp' experiential project by the Sleep Health Association, which attracted significant visitor interest.
Exhibitors reported strong sales results. Henry Ling of Uni-China Group expected total sales of HK$1 million to HK$1.4 million, while Alan Ho of Vogue Bio anticipated sales exceeding HK$1 million, surpassing expectations. The Home Delights Expo's first-time exhibitor, Sleep Health Association, saw strong traffic at its innovative sleep experience pavilion.
The fairs also facilitated significant business deals. The Chinese Mainland premium agricultural products 'Going Global' event recorded intended transactions exceeding HK$1.8 billion, a new record. Memoranda of Understanding were signed between Hong Kong's Environment and Ecology Bureau and representatives from Hunan, Xizang, and Shandong to enhance cooperation. The Xizang Pavilion, a debut participant, signed an MoU with a Hong Kong importer for an estimated annual cooperation value exceeding RMB100 million.
The Korea Pavilion expanded by 40%, becoming 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 Halal food and beverage label, featured for the third consecutive year, attracted over 130 suppliers. Tai Po Chun Hing, a local heritage brand, presented halal-certified beef tendon balls and expected orders worth HK$500,000 to HK$1 million. Singapore-based SBY Frozen Food Supply identified Brazilian suppliers for raw beef and chicken, estimating annual procurement of US$3 million to US$5 million.
The Food Science and Technology Zone showcased innovative food technologies, with IXON Food Technology receiving enquiries from over 200 buyers on the first day, potentially generating business worth US$500,000 to US$1.3 million. 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 a new 'Tea Lifestyle' zone and the Chinese Mainland Matcha Pavilion. BASAO, a local tea brand, conducted around 30 business meetings, while Hangzhou Jingshan Tea Development connected with buyers interested in purchasing matcha powder and smart matcha machines. The Kenya Pavilion reported potential deals exceeding US$10 million.
The fairs continued the hybrid 'EXHIBITION+' model, allowing online negotiations through the Click2Match platform until 22 August. The International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products also concluded, featuring over 30 speakers from 11 countries and regions, focusing on clinical translation and regulatory policies.
These record-breaking fairs underscore Hong Kong's resilience as a trade hub and the growing global demand for health and wellness products, providing significant business opportunities for exhibitors and reinforcing Hong Kong's role as a two-way gateway for international trade.
