Hong Kong Food Expo and Concurrent Fairs Hit Record 520,000 Visitors, Reflecting Strong Consumer Demand for Health and Wellness

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) announced that its five concurrent fairs—Food Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo, Home Delights Expo, Food Expo PRO, and Hong Kong International Tea Fair—concluded successfully, drawing over 520,000 public visits, a record high. The events, which ran from August 13 to 17, brought together more than 1,850 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions, showcasing the latest trends in food, wellness, and home living under the theme 'Live Well · Stay Well'. Per capita spending reached HK$1,685, reflecting sustained consumer confidence and a strong appetite for quality products.

The trade-oriented fairs, Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair, attracted some 20,000 buyers from 64 countries and regions, including Chinese Mainland, ASEAN nations, Japan, Korea, and others. This international participation underscores Hong Kong's unique position as a food trading hub, connecting Chinese Mainland with global markets. Smilely Lam, HKTDC's Associate Executive Director, noted that the fairs' success demonstrates the industry's proactive response to consumers' pursuit of healthy living and quality experiences, and that products with sustainability and halal certifications are gaining popularity.

A survey conducted during the fairs revealed that over 80% of respondents were interested in health and wellness-related products, with health and functional foods (62%), supplements (51%), and mental/physical wellness items (40%) being the most sought-after categories. The halal food and beverage label, introduced for the third consecutive year, was recognized by more than half of respondents as beneficial for promoting halal products. Additionally, 51% noted the silver-age products showcased, indicating growth potential in this segment.

The public fairs generated buoyant sales. Uni-China Group's Henry Ling expected total sales of HK$1 million to HK$1.4 million from its 12 participating exhibitors. Vogue Bio's founder Alan Ho reported that its buy-one-get-one-free promotion was well received, with sales expected to exceed HK$1 million. The Home Delights Expo featured smart home solutions and sleep technology, with the Sleep Health Association's 'Go Sleep Exp' drawing strong interest.

The HKTDC also facilitated mainland enterprises in expanding overseas. The fourth consecutive 'Going Global' exchange and matchmaking event recorded intended transactions exceeding HK$1.8 billion, with MoUs signed between Hong Kong's Environment and Ecology Bureau and Hunan, Xizang, and Shandong. The Xizang Pavilion debuted, with MoUs valued at over RMB100 million for cordyceps exports. Henan Yunong Youpin connected with two wholesalers, targeting RMB10 million in cooperation.

The Korea Pavilion expanded by 40%, becoming the largest overseas pavilion, and HKTDC signed an MoU with the Korea Agro-fisheries & Food Trade Corporation. Singapore-based SBY Frozen Food Supply identified Brazilian suppliers, estimating annual procurement of US$3-5 million. The Food Science and Technology Zone attracted strong interest, with IXON Food Technology receiving over 200 enquiries on the first day, potentially worth US$500,000 to US$1.3 million.

The Hong Kong International Tea Fair introduced new zones like 'Tea Lifestyle' and the Chinese Mainland Matcha Pavilion, with a Thai company expressing interest in 20 tonnes of matcha powder. The Kenya Pavilion reported potential deals over US$10 million. The fairs adopted a hybrid 'EXHIBITION+' model, allowing online negotiations via Click2Match until August 22.

The concurrent International Conference on Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products discussed global regulatory pathways, enhancing international cooperation. The HKTDC's efforts underscore Hong Kong's role as a two-way gateway for trade, particularly in health and wellness sectors, driving market growth and innovation.