The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its five food and wellness fairs on August 17, drawing over 520,000 public visits—an all-time high. The events, which included the Food Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo, Home Delights Expo, Food Expo PRO, and Hong Kong International Tea Fair, attracted more than 1,850 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions. Per capita spending reached a record HK$1,685, reflecting strong consumer sentiment and growing demand for gourmet food, healthy living, and quality home products.
The fairs, themed ‘Live Well · Stay Well,’ showcased the latest trends in health and wellness. According to an HKTDC survey of more than 1,430 visitors, over 80% expressed interest in health and wellness-related products, with health and functional foods (62%), health supplements and nutritional products (51%), and mental and physical wellness items (40%) among the most popular categories. The survey also highlighted growing interest in halal-certified products and silver-age offerings, with 53% of respondents recognizing the halal label’s promotional value and 51% noting the presence of age-friendly products.
‘This year’s fairs received an enthusiastic response, with attendance and per capita spending reaching record highs,’ said Smiley Lam, Associate Executive Director of HKTDC. ‘The strong demand for quality food, healthy living, and novel experiences underscores the market’s vitality and creates significant business opportunities for the industry.’
The trade fairs, Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair, attracted some 20,000 buyers from 64 countries and regions, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a food trading hub. Buyers from Chinese Mainland, ASEAN countries, Japan, and Korea conducted numerous cooperation and procurement agreements. The HKTDC also facilitated the Chinese Mainland premium agricultural products ‘Going Global’ event, which recorded intended transactions exceeding HK$1.8 billion, setting a new record. Memoranda of Understanding were signed with Hunan, Xizang, and Shandong to enhance cooperation.
International participation was notable, with the Korea Pavilion expanding by 40% to become the largest overseas pavilion, featuring over 130 exhibitors. The HKTDC signed an MoU with the Korea Agro-fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, highlighting Hong Kong’s role as a springboard for entering the Greater Bay Area and Chinese Mainland markets. ‘Hong Kong is not only our sixth largest export market but also a crucial platform for expanding into other Asian markets,’ said Kim Kwangseok, Branch Director of the corporation’s Hong Kong office.
New zones and innovations drove interest. The ‘Food Science and Technology Zone’ showcased pet food solutions, attracting over 200 buyer enquiries on the first day for IXON Food Technology. The ‘Coffee Zone’ highlighted the growing coffee market, with the Hawaii Coffee Association connecting with more than 100 buyers. The Hong Kong International Tea Fair introduced the ‘Tea Lifestyle’ zone and the Chinese Mainland Matcha Pavilion, where Hangzhou Jingshan Tea Development received interest for 20 tonnes of matcha powder from a Thai company. The Kenya Pavilion reported potential deals exceeding US$10 million.
Halal products were a focus for the third consecutive year, with over 130 suppliers showcasing halal food. Tai Po Chun Hing, a local brand, presented halal-certified beef tendon balls and carbon-neutral options, expecting 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$3-5 million.
The International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products also concluded, bringing together over 30 experts from 11 countries to discuss regulatory policies and innovative pathways for traditional medicine, promoting international cooperation.
The hybrid ‘EXHIBITION+’ model allowed online negotiations via the ‘Click2Match’ platform until August 22, extending business opportunities beyond the physical fairs. The HKTDC’s efforts underscore Hong Kong’s unique advantages as a two-way global investment and business hub, connecting mainland and international markets.
