Hong Kong International Optical Fair Draws 12,000 Buyers as Smart Technology and Sustainability Drive Industry Evolution

The 33rd Hong Kong International Optical Fair concluded successfully, attracting approximately 12,000 buyers from 92 countries and regions, reinforcing its position as a premier global sourcing platform for the eyewear industry. Buyers from outside Hong Kong primarily originated from the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, India, Japan, Korea, the United States, and ASEAN countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. Jenny Koo, Deputy Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), emphasized the fair's role as a comprehensive sourcing platform that brought together leading eyewear brands with innovative technologies and eco-friendly designs.

Under the theme "Bright Eyes • New Horizons," the fair showcased products aligned with four key market trends: smart technology, sustainability, silver healthcare, and functionality & design. These categories highlighted the industry's significant achievements in technological innovation and sustainable development. Exhibitors introduced diverse products that seamlessly blended functionality and aesthetics through the integration of artificial intelligence and eco-friendly materials, addressing varied market demands and strengthening the industry's international competitiveness.

The prominent Brand Name Gallery featured over 200 renowned global brands, including BIG HORN and P+US from Hong Kong, MINIMA from France, STEPPER from Germany, United Colors of Benetton from Italy, Masunaga since 1905 and MATSUDA from Japan, Nano Vista from Spain, Ted Baker from the United Kingdom, alongside new participants such as SUEEY.MASADA from Chinese Mainland. Exhibitors focused on demonstrating smart products with innovative technologies, expanding the potential applications of smart glasses in both daily life and professional sectors.

Shenzhen MUEDO Technology Co., Ltd. from the Chinese Mainland presented its U10 Dual-Mode Smart Reading Glasses, featuring auto-focusing lenses and Hi-Fi stereo sound specifically targeting the silver market. Helen Zhuang, Overseas Sales Manager, reported receiving inquiries from buyers in Italy, Germany, the United States, and India, with ongoing negotiations for a potential US$500,000 order from an Italian buyer. In response to growing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, numerous eyewear brands launched sustainable glasses incorporating recycled materials.

Hong Kong exhibitor Winky International Limited showcased collections of eco-friendly sunglasses and optical frames manufactured from biodegradable materials. Founder and Creative Director Kevin Ching noted that the fair's thematic labels, including the "Green Solutions Suppliers" designation, effectively attracted buyers to their booth to examine products and understand the company's sustainability vision. They connected with 20 buyers from Indonesia, Vietnam, South Africa, and the Chinese Mainland, including a potential US$1 million order from an Israeli agent operating 260 retail points.

The fair attracted prominent international buyers including Mondottica Group representative for Australia, Brazil's VISTA IMPORT, leading European industry players such as France's Kering Eyewear Asia-Pacific representative, Germany's Fielmann Group, and the UK's Specsavers Asia representative, alongside India's eyewear giant Lenskart, Indonesia's Grand Optik, Singapore's Capitol Optical, and the United States' Euro Vision International. Caitlin Northup, Vice President of Operations for US-based wholesale distributor Eyenavision, stated they aimed to explore new suppliers and strengthen existing relationships, meeting with 20 exhibitors and placing onsite orders totaling US$500,000 with two exhibitors from the Chinese Mainland for lenses.

Spain's Optisero, S.L., a family business with 30 years in the optical industry, connected with 20 potential suppliers at the fair. Joint Administrator Antonia Rivas confirmed their annual sourcing budget for suppliers met at the fair would approximate EUR2 million. The HKTDC and Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association co-organized "The 25th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition" to promote diversification and internationalization of local eyewear designs, identifying promising talents and encouraging innovative design and technology within the local industry.

Themed "Blending Tradition and Technology," the competition featured Open and Student groups. The Open Group champion, "Be With You" designed by Fung Wai-kuen, automatically alerts family members via bluetooth-connected smartphones when the wearer falls or presses an emergency button, significantly reducing accident risks for elderly users. This design also won the "Made-to-Sell Award." In the Student Group, Shum Chui-shan's "Unique Perspectives" secured first place, incorporating traditional Chinese butterfly symbolism using tie-dye techniques and detachable structures that enhanced three-dimensional effects and functionality. The fair continued implementing the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, integrating online and offline elements through the Click2Match platform until November 14, extending business opportunities beyond the physical event.