HKTDC Food Expo Opens with Focus on Wellness and Global Flavours

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 through August 17, while the Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair are held from August 13 to 15. The International Conference on the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products (ICMCM) also commenced today, running until August 15.

With over 1,850 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions, the fairs adopt the central theme “Live Well. Stay Well.” Dr. Jonathan Choi, HKTDC Council Member, highlighted the integration of wellness into daily life, noting that the fairs offer a wide range of products and services to support healthier lifestyles. Sophia Chong, HKTDC Executive Director, emphasized Hong Kong's role as a bridge connecting the Chinese mainland and international markets, fostering cross-border collaboration in the food and health industries.

The fairs feature five themed days. “Happy Eat Happy Life” on August 13 focuses on balanced nutrition, showcasing wellness products like cistanche health drinks, ready-to-eat bird's nest, and organic dried blueberries. The Home Delights Expo features a high-speed food processor for texture-modified meals, while the Beauty & Wellness Expo offers free health assessments. The Department of Health also promotes the “EatSmart Restaurant Star+” initiative.

“The World in Blink” on August 14 highlights global delicacies, including South African honey, Finnair's inflight chocolates, and Chiu Chow style foie gras toast. The Beauty & Wellness Expo presents innovative beauty devices and clear aligners. Cultural activities include embroidery workshops and ethnic dances.

“Coffee or Tea?” on August 15 spotlights the Coffee Zone with Yunnan's truffle drip coffee and Myanmar's Arabica beans. The Hong Kong International Tea Fair features rare teas like purple bud Pu'er and ceremonial-grade matcha from Guizhou and Zhejiang. New zones include the Yixing Zisha Teaware Pavilion and “Tea Lifestyle” area, with tea meditation and competitions.

“Stay Fresh, Stay Ahead” on August 16 focuses on premium produce, with the “Hong Kong Harvest” brand and Chinese mainland pavilions presenting regional specialties. The Gourmet Zone celebrates its 15th edition with 15 star chefs demonstrating dishes, and a commemorative recipe book is available to participants.

“Let's Chill” on August 17 introduces the “Stay Relax” zone with red-light therapy pods and the “Go Sleep Exp” exhibit on sleep health. The Food Expo also debuts a Dessert and Gelato Theme with over 100 desserts and unique treats like handmade mochi.

For trade visitors, Food Expo PRO introduces a “Meat Zone” and a “Food Science and Technology Zone” focusing on alternative foods. Pet food products are featured for the first time, and a halal food label is available for the third year, with over 130 exhibitors.

The ICMCM conference, expanded to three days, brings together over 30 speakers from 11 countries to discuss traditional medicine regulation and global innovation, under the theme “Clinical Translation, Regulatory Policies and Global Innovative Pathways of Traditional Medicine.”

To celebrate HKTDC's 60th anniversary, special promotions include free admission before noon with designated leaflets (quota 600 per day), “6”-themed offers, and lucky draws with prizes worth over HK$1 million. Visitors can also participate in the “Smart Bidding” session and access the “August Happy Buy” campaign website for discounts.

The fairs are held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. E-tickets are available through various platforms, and morning and evening admission tickets are offered. For more details, visit the respective expo websites.