HKTDC's First 2026 Trade Fairs Attract 82,000 Buyers, Highlight Cross-Industry Collaboration and Sustainability Trends

The 52nd HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, 17th HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair, and 24th Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair concluded successfully at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, attracting approximately 82,000 buyers from 121 countries and regions. The four-day physical fairs, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and jointly with Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd for the stationery fair, fostered cross-regional trade and cross-section cooperation through the hybrid EXHIBITION+ model, which includes online access via the Click2Match smart business matching platform continuing until 22 January.

The newly launched 'Pop & Play' pavilion at the Toys & Games Fair proved particularly significant, attracting about 10,000 public visitors while helping local toy brands connect with global buyers to expand internationally. This pavilion showcased 150 trendy intellectual properties alongside various fair premieres and global limited-edition collectibles, enabling Chinese Mainland and overseas brands to engage directly with local fans. Jenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, noted that the pavilion amplified IP value through cultural integration, brand collaborations, and market strategies, helping local brands reach international stages.

Cross-industry collaboration opportunities emerged as a key outcome, with Hong Kong exhibitor Matrix Promotion establishing around 50 local business contacts through both online and offline matchings. Founder and CEO Ray Leung reported that these included not only toy industry buyers but also opportunities with theme parks, loyalty programs, digital commerce platforms, and finance companies. The integration of B2C elements with B2B created an energetic atmosphere that facilitated partnerships, with IP character B.Duck's Hong Kong Sales Representative Lai Chi-ying connecting with 30 potential clients from countries including Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Dubai, Russia, and North America.

Technological innovation featured prominently, with Hong Kong exhibitor Eastcolight (Hong Kong) Limited showcasing self-developed artificial intelligence interactive story machines. Co-founder Salley Sze projected that AI products alone would generate at least US$1 million in annual sales through the fair, while other STEM product lines were expected to achieve US$2 million. The fairs also highlighted sustainability trends, with over 400 exhibitors displaying the Green Solutions green leaf label—double the number compared to 2024—facilitating procurement of eco-friendly products. Sandra Lopez Herreros, Sourcing Manager CMC at DeAgostini Collectibles from Spain, noted particular interest in battery-free, hydraulic-powered eco-friendly toys from a Chinese Mainland supplier, with plans to place an order worth around US$1 million.

Demographic shifts influenced product development, with the new Happy Ageing label introduced at the Toys & Games Fair to identify products for seniors or intergenerational family fun. Peri Chow, Director of FritzS Learning (Hong Kong), reported connecting with approximately 30 new clients from different industries and regions, including nursing home caregivers and children's toy buyers. The Baby Products Fair saw growth in the World of Strollers and Gear and ODM Strollers and Gear zones, hosting approximately 230 exhibitors, while the Stationery & School Supplies Fair welcomed first-time exhibitor Blaxall Optics Low Vision Limited from New Zealand, which anticipated at least 5% annual business growth from new contacts.

International recognition of Hong Kong's role as a trade hub was evident, with Swedish exhibitor AXKID's Managing Director Roger Yan noting meetings with buyers from Bulgaria, Slovenia, Japan, and Türkiye, including a Bulgarian client who placed an order for 2,000 child safety seats valued at approximately €1.7 million. The flagship Asian Toys & Games Forum, themed 'Empowering the Toy Industry for Global Success,' further explored industry developments with insights from Euromonitor International and Disney Consumer Products representatives. For more comments from exhibitors and buyers, visit https://www.hktdc.com/event/hktoyfair/en/success-stories, https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkbabyfair/en/success-stories, and https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkstationeryfair/en/success-stories.