Running from 6 – 9 January 2014 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, the 14th edition of the Hong Kong International Stationery Fair attracted 20,276 visitors from 109 countries and regions, which is a five percent increase compared to last year’s show.
The top ten visiting countries and regions to one of Asia’s most important trade shows for the paper, stationery and office supplies industry were: Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, US, Malaysia, Russia, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia.
Commenting on the success of the event, Ms Fiona Chiew, Deputy General Manager for Messe Frankfurt (Shanghai) Co Ltd said: “It is very encouraging to see that our show has again set a new record for visitor numbers. The result has proved that the Hong Kong International Stationery Fair is an important stationery trade platform for suppliers and buyers from around the world.”
Mr Benjamin Chau, Deputy Executive Director for HKTDC added: “I am pleased that the show is gaining more recognition every year. This year, the show attracted 224 industry suppliers from 19 countries and regions: Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Chile, the Chinese mainland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Netherlands, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, UK and the US.”
Exhibitors and visitors rate fair as an important trade platform
The 2014 show welcomed group pavilions from Korea, Taiwan and Thailand. Mr Donald Mai, Executive Secretary for the Taiwan Association of Stationery Industries organised the Taiwanese Pavilion. He said: “We support Taiwanese companies to exhibit at important trade fairs globally and that’s why we came to the Hong Kong International Stationery Fair. As you see the familiar faces from our pavilion every year, it explains that they are happy with the show and they keep coming back. Also, we see the show keep growing and so we keep supporting the show.”
Additionally, to cater to the rising trend in DIY items and handicrafts, the show featured a DIY Supplies Zone. Chinese exhibitor Ningbo Cakoo Trade Co Ltd designs and manufactures DIY kids’ products such as Christmas decorations, foam kits, scrapbook kits, scratch stickers, crochet kits, paper flowers and bead handicrafts. Ms Sun Qiang Fai, Vice General Manager said: “We are looking for exporting businesses to Europe, Hong Kong and North America. I am satisfied with the visitor flow. I’ve met buyers from Brazil, France, India, Malaysia, Russia, UK and the US. All of them are professional buyers. I am happy that they show interest in our products and we have collected some useful contacts already.”
Exhibiting at the show for the first time was Pronobel S.A. from Chile, which owns leading private label brands and their most popular items are office supplies. Ms Veronica Avendano, Own Brands Manager commented: “We are here to explore the market and to open our business and sell abroad. We know that in this exhibition there are a lot of buyers. The potential of the Chinese market is huge. I think if we can reach some Chinese customers, the potential will be huge for us, considering the population of China. We are looking for that and this is the first step.”
Another first time exhibitor was Premec, a Swiss company famous in the writing industry for tips and pen components. Ms Maria Pia Corno, Marketing & Sales Manager was seeking customers in the South East Asian market. She said: “It is an opportunity to meet other people. We have our own customers exhibiting here so we also have a chance to meet our customers.”
Fourteenth time US exhibitor Mirage International Industries Inc is a stationery and accessories importer, exporter and manufacturer.
Commenting on the Chinese market, company representative Mr Scott Wen said: “I think the stationery trend in the future is positive. With the rise of the Chinese middle class, more people are willing to pay a larger premium for product safety, hence we expect to have increased repeat orders throughout the year.” He added that he likes the January exhibition date as it is a good time for business planning and he could meet with potential clients wanting to place ‘back-to-school’ product orders.
Richfield Corporation (HK) Ltd is a pen design company which featured colourful humming bird pens at this year’s show. “Buyers with significant purchasing power from Australia, Hong Kong and the Middle East have shown great levels of interest in our products,” said Sales Representative Ms Cynthia Foong. “Additionally, clients from the Asia Pacific regions appear to be the most encouraging. We will consider exhibiting at the show again with a bigger booth.”
Visitors were also happy with their show experience. The Mall Group Co Ltd is a high-end shopping complex group in Thailand with properties that include the Emporium and Siam Paragon malls. Ms Rossukhont Lertvilai, Merchandising Division Manager (Stationery / Book) came to the show to source high-end stationery items and art supplies. She commented: “I am happy to be able to find good quality suppliers and will place orders with them later.”
Also finding suitable suppliers at the show was Printker Office Land, which is one of the leading business-to-business stationery suppliers in Hungary. Mr Botond Bozsogi, the company’s Trade Manager was satisfied with the quality of the exhibitors. He commented: “I found interesting and creative products here. In addition to creative products, I am also looking for traditional stationery. I’ve been busy in these few days because I’ve already attended 40 meetings with various suppliers.”
Mr Abdulkaher El-youssef, Chief Executive Officer for ADK Promotional Solutions from Australia was looking for products for students and kids and also giftware. “It’s very nice and smooth walking into the show and it is organised well,” he said.
Chinese buyer Mr Hu Hong Jiao from Shanghai Trade Works Co Ltd was sourcing office supplies for the Japanese market. “At the show I’ve already found suitable products such as paper clips and pens,” he remarked. “The Hong Kong International Stationery Fair is very professional and I can find many ideal products here.”
Fringe programmes offered latest market information and networking opportunities
The Hong Kong International Stationery Fair organised four fringe programmes to update industry players with the latest market news and industry knowledge.
One of the speakers at the “Symposium on Stationery Design and Product Packaging Vogue 2014” was Mr Stephen Barry, Managing Director of Stepworks, a Hong Kong branding and marketing agency. He discussed the importance of brand identity and how to create it. He commented: “I think some of the audience were manufacturers developing their own brands and that was the angle I was coming from. Hong Kong and Pearl River Delta is all about manufacturing but that’s changing with a lot of it going to Vietnam and we need to position ourselves to deliver additional value.”
Ms Linda Ho, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong’s Green Council spoke at the “Stationery Go Green” seminar and reinforced the concept of green purchasing, eco-friendly products and product standards.
Attending the Buyer Forum with its theme of “Market Trends and Opportunities in South East Asia and Australia” was audience member Mr Ben Thompson, Purchasing Officer for Australian company Office Choice. He found the forum informative and commented: “Not only was I able to learn more about industry trends from other buyers but also from different businesses of various countries and regions.”
The other fringe programme event was an “Exhibitor Forum” which provided a valuable opportunity for exhibitors to present their products to international and local buyers.
The next edition of Hong Kong International Stationery Fair will be held from 12 – 15 January 2015. For further information about the show, please visit www.hkstationeryfair.com
- end -
Media contact:
Ms Rachel Leung
Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd
Tel: +852 2230 9225
Fax: +852 2519 6800
rachel.leung@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com