The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) successfully concluded its five major trade fairs — Food Expo, Food Expo PRO, Beauty & Wellness Expo, Home Delights Expo, and Hong Kong International Tea Fair—on August 19, 2024. These events attracted over 500,000 visitors, reflecting their strong appeal and the reputation of these annual flagship events.
This year’s fairs were significant not only for their scale but also for their impact on local consumption. The fairs welcomed around 1,860 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions, showcasing a wide array of products that catered to diverse consumer interests. In addition to the substantial visitor turnout, exhibitors reported robust sales, highlighting the strong consumer interest in the variety of offerings available.
New Themes Drive Local Spending and Innovation
One of the key highlights of this year’s fairs was the introduction of four new theme days, which significantly boosted local spending. These themes included “Delights Across Mainland China,” “Happy Friday,” “Japan & Korea Express,” and “Wellness Weekend.” Each theme day was carefully curated to offer unique experiences and attract different consumer segments, creating a vibrant shopping atmosphere that encouraged higher spending.
The HKTDC reported that over 90% of local exhibitors accepted electronic payment methods, reflecting the growing preference for cashless transactions among consumers. A survey conducted by the HKTDC during the fairs revealed that more than 50% of attendees spent HK$1,000 or more, with overall per capita spending reaching HK$1,615—a more than 6% increase compared to the previous year.
Global Reach and Business Opportunities
The Food Expo PRO and the Hong Kong International Tea Fair, which ran concurrently with the public fairs, also saw significant international participation. These trade-focused events welcomed over 20,500 buyers from 60 countries and regions, including Mainland China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and several ASEAN countries. The introduction of a Halal food and beverage label at the Food Expo PRO was particularly well-received, highlighting the fair’s role in catering to the growing demand for Halal products in the region.
The Food Expo PRO’s Food Science and Technology zone was another major attraction, showcasing cutting-edge food technologies and products. This zone provided a platform for exhibitors to launch innovations in food processing, packaging, and safety, drawing interest from both local and international buyers.
Success Stories and High Demand
Exhibitors across the various fairs reported strong sales and high demand for their products. For instance, Grass Lands Food Co., Ltd. from Taiwan sold out its entire container of jerky products by the fourth day of the fair, reflecting the high consumer interest. Similarly, medicube, a Korean beauty brand, saw significant success at the Beauty & Wellness Expo, with its AGE-R Booster Pro beauty device being particularly popular among visitors.
The Home Delights Expo also saw positive results, with exhibitors like Giormani, a custom-made sofa specialist, attracting a large number of new customers. The company’s sales were boosted by special discounts offered during the expo, contributing to an expected sales turnover of approximately HK$2 million.
New Horizons for HKTDC Trade Fairs
The 2024 HKTDC trade fairs not only served as a vibrant marketplace for consumers but also as a significant platform for international business opportunities. The success of these events underscores Hong Kong’s position as a major hub for consumer and lifestyle products in Asia. With strong participation from both local and international exhibitors, the fairs provided a unique blend of business networking, consumer engagement, and cultural exchange, making them a key highlight of Hong Kong’s annual event calendar.
As these fairs continue to evolve and adapt to changing consumer preferences, they are expected to remain a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s trade and economic landscape, driving growth and innovation in the years to come.