HONG KONG | Food Expo, Food Expo PRO, Beauty & Wellness Expo, Home Delights Expo, Hong Kong International Tea Fair, and the International Conference of the Modernisation of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM) attracted 1,860 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions.
Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), officiating at the opening ceremony was the guest of honour Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), who was joined by HKTDC’s Chairman, Dr Peter K N Lam and Executive Director, Margaret Fong.
“We are excited to welcome 1,860 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions at our summer shows. These events provide an excellent opportunity for exhibitors from across the globe to connect directly with consumers not only from Hong Kong but also from the Greater Bay Area, as well as buyers from around the world,” said Margaret Fong, Executive Director of the HKTDC.
“This reinforces our city’s reputation as Asia’s leading hub for consumer and lifestyle products. Around the various daily themes of Delights Across Mainland China, Happy Friday, Japan & Korea Express and Wellness Weekend, we offer visitors a wide range of activities that promise a delightful experience for all.”
This year’s fairs had a new look and four new lifestyle-inspired themes. On the first day, “Delights Across Mainland China” offered visitors an opportunity to experience the diverse culinary flavours of Mainland China.
The Star Kitchen and Star Stage at the Gourmet Zone feature Lau Ka Wing, Executive Chef of Hau Tak Restaurant. Lau gave a cooking demonstration under the theme “Legacy of Cantonese Cuisine.” The Entertainment Stage hosted a Sichuan taste promotional event.
At the same time, the Gourmet Stage featured delicacies from Jiangsu Province and a cooking demonstration of Inner Mongolian Mutton with a wine pairing. The Beauty & Wellness Theatre focused on improving inner and outer health using traditional Chinese medicine.
Other “Delights Across Mainland China” highlights included frozen Fo Tiao Qiang from Guangdong, sauerkraut fish fillets and rattan pepper fish fillets, Luochuan apples from Shaanxi Province, and sweet corn grown at high altitude in the Qinba Mountain area.
The China National Agricultural Pavilion, organised by the Agricultural Trade Promotion Centre, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Mainland China, showcased over a thousand agricultural and food products from 12 provinces in Mainland China.
Visitors could experience delicacies such as sea cucumbers from Liaoning, goji berries from Ningxia, melons and fruits from Guangdong, fresh eggs from Sichuan, soup dumplings from Jiangsu, camellia oil from Hunan, dates from Xinjiang, Wenchang chicken from Hainan, and broad bean noodles from Gansu.
The trade show also introduced a dedicated Halal food and beverage label, featuring over 100 exhibitors from Food Expo PRO and Food Expo who showcase Halal food and beverage products.
The Food Tech Symposium focuses on the latest food packaging and refrigeration technology and applications in ready meals. The Hong Kong Food Professionals Association and Hong Kong Food Innovation & Technology Hub discuss food innovation and technology trends alongside food tech start-ups and companies from Mainland China.
Offering visitors a relaxing and enjoyable way to unwind after a busy week, “Happy Friday” on the 16th of August will be at the Food Expo's Gourmet Zone. It will include limited tastings of selected Juyondai sake for HK$20 and Daiginjo for HK$1, 100ml of Ohmine 3 Grain Sakura Yamada Nishiki Original Sake for HK$30, exclusive draft beer buckets for HK$100, and dark chocolate liqueur with buy two, get one free offer.
The Star Kitchen and Star Stage have curated an exciting lineup of activities, including mixology shows.
On Saturday, the 17th of August visitors will be transported to Japan and Korea. The Food Expo's Star Kitchen & Star Stage will offer immersive experiences with traditional Japanese dance and judo performances organised by the Japanese Society of Hong Kong, kimchi-making demonstrations by a Korean chef, Korean functional food talks, taekwondo, and dances.
The Hong Kong International Tea Fair will host a Japanese Tea Ceremony Demonstration at the Tea Salon to present an authentic Japanese tea performance, highlighting this tradition's cultural and philosophical aspects.
Japanese and Korean furniture is also on display at the Home Delights Expo.
The Wellness Weekend aims to provide visitors a serene space to relax and focus on their well-being. At the Food Expo’s Gourmet Stage, winners of the Hong Kong Youth Latte Art Competition will showcase their talents and share insights into latte art. The Beauty & Wellness Theatre will host exciting activities promoting physical and mental health, including a mesmerising sand art performance.
Visitors can express their hidden talents by participating in cloisonné enamel perfume bottles and wood colour painting workshops. Those motivated by sports health should look out for sharing by the Sports Therapists Association of Hong Kong on the benefits of sports therapy.
This year's Beauty & Wellness Expo has also introduced a new Body, Mind, and Spirit Zone catering to the needs of urban dwellers. Thirty free haircuts are offered on a first-come, first-served basis on-site daily.
The 10th edition of the Home Delights Expo coincides with the 50th Anniversary of PEANUTS (BEAGLE SCOUTS) collection. Visitors can redeem exceptional edition homeware by taking selfies with designated Snoopy and friends characters at the venue, adding a touch of fun to their living spaces.
The Modernised Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA) has partnered with the HKTDC and ten scientific research institutions to present at the latest International Conference on the Modernisation of Chinese Medicine & Health Products (ICMCM).
Eighteen keynote speakers will discuss development trends, scientific research achievements, successful experiences, regulations, and the outlook of Chinese medicine and health products connected to the “Belt and Road” initiative.
Physical ticket sales for the August exhibitions are not available at the fairground. The HKTDC has also extended the discounted morning and night admission tickets for the public on designated dates.
