The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) opened its 36th Food Expo, along with the Beauty & Wellness Expo, Home Delights Expo, and Hong Kong International Tea Fair, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Running from 13 to 17 August, the fairs bring together more than 1,850 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions, creating a vibrant marketplace spanning food, tea, home living, beauty, and wellness sectors.
Dr Jonathan Choi, Council Member of the HKTDC, highlighted the fair's central theme, 'Live Well. Stay Well,' reflecting the growing integration of wellness into everyday life. 'Today, wellness has become an integral part of everyday life. It is reflected in the food and beverages we enjoy, the way we care for our home and how we nurture our physical and mental well-being,' he said. The fairs offer a wide range of products and experiences that support healthier, happier, and more balanced lifestyles.
Sophia Chong, Executive Director of the HKTDC, emphasized Hong Kong's role as a bridge connecting the Chinese Mainland and international markets. 'As an international business centre and a key food trading hub in the region, Hong Kong has long served as a platform for global food and catering enterprises seeking to expand into the Chinese Mainland, Asia and international markets,' she said. Through platforms like Food Expo PRO and the International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products (ICMCM), the HKTDC fosters cross-border collaboration, strengthening Hong Kong's position in the food and health industries.
The fairs feature Five Themed Days designed to promote quality living. The first day, 'Happy Eat Happy Life,' focuses on balanced nutrition and healthy living, showcasing wellness products such as cistanche health drinks, ready-to-eat bird's nest, and organic dried blueberries. The Beauty & Wellness Expo offers complimentary health assessments, including traditional Chinese wellness consultations and skin/scalp analyses. The Department of Health also presents the 'EatSmart Restaurant Star+' initiative, encouraging restaurants to offer healthier menu options.
Day two, 'The World in Blink,' centers on visual enjoyment, featuring global delicacies like South African honey, Finnair's inflight chocolates, and Peruvian cacao nibs. Cultural activities include embroidery workshops and ethnic dance performances. Day three, 'Coffee or Tea?,' spotlights the Coffee Zone with exhibitors from Yunnan, plus rare teas at the Tea Fair, including purple bud Pu'er and ceremonial-grade matcha. New zones like the Yixing Zisha Teaware Pavilion and 'Tea Lifestyle' area demonstrate tea culture's integration into contemporary living.
Day four, 'Stay Fresh, Stay Ahead,' focuses on premium fresh produce, featuring the new 'Hong Kong Harvest' brand by the Fish Marketing Organization and Vegetable Marketing Organization. The Chinese Mainland pavilion presents hundreds of agricultural products, including Yunnan ham and Xinjiang wines. The Gourmet Zone, celebrating its 15th edition, hosts 15 star chefs for cooking demonstrations. Day five, 'Let's Chill,' introduces the 'Stay Relax' zone with red-light therapy pods and the 'Go Sleep Exp' exhibit exploring sleep health. The Food Expo also debuts a Dessert and Gelato Theme with over 100 desserts and specialty ice creams.
For trade visitors, Food Expo PRO introduces a new 'Meat Zone' and a 'Food Science and Technology Zone' focusing on alternative proteins and future foods. Pet food products are showcased for the first time, featuring patented packaging that preserves nutritional value without preservatives or cold-chain logistics. The halal food and beverage label, now in its third year, includes over 130 exhibitors, making it easier for buyers to source halal-certified products.
The ICMCM, expanded to three days this year, focuses on 'Clinical Translation, Regulatory Policies and Global Innovative Pathways of Traditional Medicine.' Over 30 speakers from 12 countries will discuss regulatory trends and industry practices, facilitating global exchange in Chinese medicine modernization.
To celebrate the HKTDC's 60th anniversary, special promotions include free admission before noon for the first 600 visitors daily, '6'-themed offers from exhibitors, and lucky draws with prizes worth over HK$1 million. Visitors can also participate in the 'Smart Bidding' session and access the 'August Happy Buy' campaign website for discounts. E-tickets are available through various platforms, and admission can be paid via mobile payment methods at the venue.
