The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded its five summer fairs on August 17, 2026, with record-breaking attendance and spending that underscore the city's vibrant consumer market and its pivotal role in global food trade. The Food Expo, Beauty & Wellness Expo, and Home Delights Expo, along with the trade-focused Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair, collectively drew over 520,000 public visits, a new all-time high. Per capita spending reached HK$1,685, also a record, reflecting strong demand for gourmet food, healthy living, and quality home products.
The trade fairs, Food Expo PRO and Hong Kong International Tea Fair, attracted about 20,000 buyers from 64 countries and regions, including mainland China, Macao, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and ASEAN nations. This international participation reinforces Hong Kong's unique position as a food trading hub, connecting mainland and global markets. Smilely Lam, HKTDC's Associate Executive Director, noted that the fairs' success highlights the industry's response to consumers' pursuit of healthy living and quality experiences, with growing demand for health and functional foods, convenience foods, specialty items, and premium teas.
A survey conducted during the fairs revealed that over 80% of visitors were interested in health and wellness products, with health functional foods (62%), supplements (51%), and wellness products (40%) topping their interests. The halal food label, now in its third year, was recognized by over half of respondents as helpful in promoting halal products, while 51% noted the silver-age products on display, indicating growth potential in these segments.
The public fairs featured themed days and special offers, driving strong sales. Exhibitors like Uni-China Group expected total sales of HK$1 million to HK$1.4 million, while Vogue Bio's founder, Alan Ho, anticipated exceeding HK$1 million, far surpassing expectations. The Beauty & Wellness Expo introduced a 'Stay Relax' zone and aroma-emotion testing, drawing crowds. The Home Delights Expo debuted a 'Go Sleep Exp' by the Sleep Health Association, which attracted many visitors interested in sleep improvement.
On the trade side, the fairs facilitated significant business deals. The 'Going Global' event for mainland premium agricultural products 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, a debutant, signed a MoU with a Hong Kong importer for annual cooperation exceeding RMB100 million, focusing on cordyceps. Korean exhibitors expanded their pavilion by 40%, and a MoU was signed with the Korea Agro-fisheries & Food Trade Corporation.
The Food Expo PRO's 'MeatZone' highlighted halal and sustainable products. Tai Po Chun Hing, a local heritage brand, reported meeting over 20 buyers from the Philippines, Thailand, and the Middle East, expecting orders of HK$500,000 to HK$1 million. SBY Frozen Food Supply from Singapore 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 buyer enquiries on the first day alone.
The Hong Kong International Tea Fair introduced a 'Tea Lifestyle' zone and a mainland matcha pavilion. BASAO, a local tea brand, conducted about 30 business meetings, while Hangzhou Jingshan Tea Development connected with buyers from Thailand, India, and Europe, with a Thai company interested in 20 tonnes of matcha powder. The Kenya Pavilion reported potential deals exceeding US$10 million, with one exhibitor connecting with over 80 prospects.
The fairs also emphasized international cooperation, with the International Conference on Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products drawing over 30 experts from 11 countries. The hybrid 'EXHIBITION+' model allowed online negotiations until August 22 via the Click2Match platform, extending business opportunities beyond the physical event.
These results underscore Hong Kong's resilience as a trade hub and its ability to adapt to consumer trends, particularly in health and wellness. The record attendance and spending signal robust local demand, while the trade fairs' international participation confirms Hong Kong's role as a gateway for businesses seeking to enter the mainland and Asian markets.
