17 August 2015 – The 26th HKTDC Food Expo and the second HKTDC Home Delights Expo today ended their five-day run (13-17 August) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the fairs attracted more than 470,000 public visitors, up two per cent compared to last year.
“Although the weather was unstable during the fair period, it did not deter the public from coming to visit these events,” said Benjamin Chau, Acting Executive Director of the HKTDC. “The atmosphere at the fairs was very good, especially over the weekend. Many exhibitors used the opportunity to promote their brands and their new products to the visitors. Some exhibitors also told us that they had successfully closed deals with trade buyers, which is a testament to the Food Expo as an effective trading platform for the industry.”
Food Expo: a world of taste
The Food Expo gathered nearly 1,200 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions. The Gourmet Zone (13-16 August) showcased high-end delicacies from more than 70 exhibitors. Limpid True International Trading Ltd displayed its Vintage Fine Coffee from Indonesia. The company’s Marketing Director, Zevien Cheung was satisfied with the business results. She said sales of their luxurious, vintage fine coffee were impressive and better than they had expected. They plan to expand their fair presence with a larger booth next year.
The expo’s Trade Hall welcomed more than 20,000 trade buyers, marking a two per cent year-on-year increase.
JS Korea Co., Ltd, a leading seafood supplier in Korea providing a variety of fresh, frozen and processed seafood products, has been participating in the Food Expo for many years. “We’ve just signed a US$300,000 contract with a Hong Kong customer for our canned abalones. The Food Expo gives us a great opportunity to promote our products every year. This is the best food fair in the world,” said J.S. Im, Chairman, JS Korea Co., Ltd.
Opening up fresh business opportunities
Trade Hall also featured 14 group pavilions, including New South Wales from Australia. After a successful debut last year, the pavilion returned to the Food Expo with 12 companies. Rob Harrison, Export Advisor, International Trade and Investment, New South Wales Government, Australia, said the exhibiting companies met with many potential buyers from different places including Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, the Middle East, India, Malaysia and Taiwan. He said the business-matching meetings proved useful and produced serious enquiries. He added that the Food Expo not only enables companies to expand their presence in the Hong Kong market but also serves as a gateway to the southern part of the Chinese mainland. One of the companies, Australia’s Oyster Coast, which produces three varieties of premium oysters, said initial orders were already concluded, involving about HK$20,000 worth of oysters shipment every week. Andrew Wales, the company’s Manager – International Markets, said he was confident that the contacts made at the expo would lead to more business deals.
Ukraine joined the expo with a trade pavilion for the first time, with seven companies featuring local agricultural products. Andrii Dykun, Head, Ukrainian Agricultural Council, said “The Food Expo serves as a gateway for our companies to penetrate the markets in Asia including the Chinese mainland. We are very optimistic about the exhibition results.” Another trade pavilion, the European Meat pavilion from Poland took part in successful business meetings during the fair, with one of their poultry exhibitors receiving an on-site order. They are considering returning with a bigger pavilion next year.
Buyers Galore
The HKTDC organised 125 buying missions from 23 countries and regions to visit the Food Expo as well as the Hong Kong International Tea Fair and the International Conference & Exhibition of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products, which were held from 13 to 15 August. Some key retailers and agents such as 759 Store, City Super Ltd, FLM Fine Foods and Hong Kong TV Shopping Network Company Limited were invited to set up buyer booths, where pre-arranged business-matching sessions facilitated efficient connections between the buyers and quality exhibitors.
FLM Fine Foods specialises in selling premium food products catering to high-end customers. The company set up a buyer booth at the Food Expo for the first time. Janus Chan, Deputy General Manager, FLM Fine Foods, said: “We are always looking to source new and quality gourmet items to ensure a unique shopping experience for our customers. Food Expo provides a valuable opportunity to find and source something special to enrich our offerings. Through the meetings arranged by HKTDC, we’ve found new suppliers from Japan, the Chinese mainland and Korea. The meetings have been very fruitful. Further talks will be carried out to develop business relationships.”
Home Delights Expo makes an impact
The Home Delights Expo was also well received by the exhibitors and the public. More than 120 exhibitors, representing some 190 brands, showcased all sorts of quality appliances and trendy household products. CLP Power Hong Kong Limited participated in the expo for the first time, introducing its induction cookers. Thomas Chu, Acting Senior Marketing & Sales Manager, Residential Marketing & Customer Services, said the company usually organises product shows at shopping malls. “The Home Delights Expo is a large show that is held concurrently with the Food Expo, which attracts more visitors and creates greater impact,” said Mr Chu.
The HKTDC Food Expo and Home Delights Expo were held concurrently with the seventh HKTDC Hong Kong International Tea Fair and the 14th International Conference & Exhibition of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products (ICMCM). Featuring a total of more than 1,600 exhibitors, the four fairs provided abundant business and networking opportunities, offering good potential for crossover business activities among the participants from various sectors.
Fair Websites
HKTDC Food Expo: http://www.hktdc.com/fair/hkfoodexpo-en/
HKTDC Home Delights Expo: www.hktdc.com/fair/homedelights-en/
HKTDC Hong Kong International Tea Fair: www.hktdc.com/fair/hkteafair-en/
ICMCM: www.hktdc.com/fair/icmcm-en/
Media Enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC's Communication and Public Affairs Department:
Joe Kainz
Tel: (852) 2584 4216
Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org
