Food Expo Kicks Off Next Week with Four Thematic Days to Explore Infinite Lifestyle Possibilities

HONG KONG, Aug 6, 2024 - (ACN Newswire) - Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the HKTDC Food Expo, HKTDC Beauty & Wellness Expo, and HKTDC Home Delights Expo will run from 15 to19 August at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The Food Expo PRO and the Hong Kong International Tea Fair will take place from 15 to17 August at the same venue. More than 1,840 exhibitors will attend the five fairs, providing a one-stop sourcing and shopping destination for trade buyers and the public to enjoy global cuisines, tea and lifestyle products.

Additionally, the International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine and Health Products (ICMCM) will be held on 15-16 August. Organised by the Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA) together with the HKTDC and ten scientific research institutions, the conference will share the latest industry insights and foster the development of Chinese medicine.

Sophia Chong, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, unveiled the key highlights of the August events at a press conference today and said: “The Food Expo has been a major event in town for more than 30 years and this year, we have introduced four thematic themes across the fairs, each bringing an exciting experience to consumers who enjoy gourmet food, healthy living, and quality home products This year’s exhibitors have gone all out to bring a wider variety of products and engaging activities, to encourage local consumption.”

Food Expo PRO – Create and connect with food business opportunities (15-17 August)

The 2nd Food Expo PRO is open to trade buyers on the first two days, and to the public as well on the last day (17 August). This year, Food Expo PRO welcomes exhibitors from 26 countries and regions who will showcase the newest food trends, services and technology from around the world. Featuring 20 pavilions from neighbouring countries, including Japan and Korea, ASEAN countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand, countries further afield such as Mexico and Poland, and Mainland China’s diverse provinces including Fujian, Guizhou, Hunan, Sichuan, Zhejiang.

Beyond ready meals and local delicacies, the Food Science and Technology zone will present alternative and future food products, such as vegan health-preserving poached eggs, personalised 3D food products and cooking machines from local exhibitors. These include lactose-free black sesame paste from Singapore as a substitute for chocolate sauce, low-glycaemic index functional flour from Thailand and ready-to-eat rice made from egg white with nearly zero calories.

The Food Tech Symposium will feature two sessions with the Hong Kong Food Professionals Association, Hong Kong Food Innovation & Technology Hub, the Department of Food Science and Nutrition of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, discussing food innovation and technology trends alongside food tech start-ups. Topics will include the latest food packaging and refrigeration technology and applications in ready meals, innovative scientific research and recipes, including personal dietary needs analysis by AI, creating special meals by 3D food printing.

In line with the growing interest in Halal food, this year's fair will indicate the Halal food and beverage label facilitate buyers easier sourcing. More than 90 exhibitors will showcase a diverse range of worldwide Halal food products at Food Expo PRO and Food Expo. Besides fried seaweed from Thailand and coffee from Indonesia, the fairs will introduce Halal food products from other countries. These include sea bream from Japan, instant vermicelli from Korea, agave cactus nectar from Mexico, and products from Mainland China, Hong Kong and the Philippines.

A seminar with the CEO of the Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC) of Malaysia will discuss the opportunities and challenges of the Halal food market. Other topics will include optimising Halal food production and supply chains, food certification, monitoring and regulation, the introduction of a scientific verification process within Hong Kong’s existing Halal certification framework, and Hong Kong’s role in facilitating and promoting the development of the Halal food trade.

Hong Kong International Tea Fair — Taste the world’s most famous teas (15-17 August)

The 15th Hong Kong International Tea Fair, also open to trade buyers on the first two days of the fair, and to the public on last day of the fair (17 August), will feature four pavilions: Sri Lanka, Fujian, Hunan, and the first-ever pavilion by the Hong Kong and Kowloon Tea Trade Merchants Association. Attendees can taste local organic teas from Hong Kong’s Kadoorie Farm & Botanic Garden, Wuyi Rock Tea from Fujian, Purple Tea from Kenya and Hadong Black Tea from Korea while exploring speciality tea wares.

This year’s fair will see the Chinese Tea Culture International Exchange Association hosting the inaugural Hong Kong International Tea Culture Forum. Under the theme “Bridging Cultures and Embracing the World with Tea”, international tea culture experts and scholars from Mainland China, Australia and Malaysia will gather to discuss the global development of the tea industry along with its history and heritage. Also new this year is the inaugural International Tea Space Design Competition 2024, which is organised by the Teaism Alliance Hong Kong. Shortlisted designs for tea spaces will be showcased during the Tea Fair giving the public an opportunity to vote for their favourites.

Another highlight of the fair is the Hong Kong International Tea Fair Tea Competition 2024 which will award champion, 1st runner up, 2nd runner up places and “The Best Aroma Award”, and “The Best Taste Award” to teas selected in a blind tasting by professional tea judges. Free tasting will be available in the morning of the public day on 17 August. Other activities include the International KamCha Competition – HK Milk Tea Final (HK Region), seminars, tea tasting sessions and tea art performances.

The Food Expo PRO and the Tea Fair are expecting 110 missions representing 6,000 trade buyers from 26 countries and regions. The two fairs will operate under the hybrid model EXHIBITION+, allowing global food and tea buyers to connect through physical and online platforms. Click2Match, a smart business matching platform, will facilitate online meetings from 8-24 August. Scan2Match enables buyers to scan unique QR codes using the HKTDC Marketplace app to bookmark their favourite exhibitors, browse product information, and chat online during or after the exhibition.

Food Expo – To taste the world and bring a new experience to your taste buds (15-19 August)

The 34th Food Expo, from 15 August to 19 August, gives the public an opportunity to taste the world’s finest cuisines and delicacies. The Gourmet Zone features a stunning seven thematic zones showcasing delicacies like foie gras in French red wine, New Zealand imperial salmon, Greek yoghurts with fruit, 100% Blue Mountain coffee, Japanese Ise vinegar, Thai dried mango, Australian wild blacklip abalone in brown braising sauce, and more. The Premium Food Zone features more than 30 renowned brands, including Chewy, CHOYA, Han Yin Hong, Kee Wah Bakery, Maxims, Nissin, On Kee, Original Taste Home Crafts, Tai Pan, Wing Wah and more, offering the latest products such as  the 35th Anniversary edition of Tai Pan Snowy Mooncake, CHOYA Umeshu Gold Edition and more.

13 Star Chef will have cooking demonstrations at the fair, featuring Menex Cheung, Executive Chef of China Tang; Li Yuet Faat, Executive Chef of Ming Court (Cordis Hong Kong); Lai Wei Hung, Founder of Hung’s Delicacies and Master Hung; Sandy Keung, Executive Chef of TABLE by Sandy Keung; Elaine Ma, recipe author; and Marco Antonio Li Voti, Chef de Cuisine of Sabatini Ristorante Italiano (IFC) and more.

Media veteran Jacky Chan will host the Chef’s Dialogue on 17 August, featuring three renowned Hong Kong chefs sharing their cooking and dining tips and culinary secrets with food demonstrations on the same day. Additionally, the fair will offer seminars, talks, wine-tasting workshops, food-related demonstrations and performances, providing a comprehensive culinary experience.

Beauty & Wellness Expo – Discover the beauty of nature and pamper your mind, body and spirit (15-19 August)

The 8th Beauty & Wellness Expo will showcase quality products, including popular home-use beauty devices, skincare brands, hair care products, health supplements, and more. Visitors can enjoy free on-site haircuts and head, shoulder, and neck massage services on first come, first served basis.

This year’s new Body Mind Spirit Zone will offer an oasis for busy city dwellers. Hong Kong Association of Flower Arranging Societies will present over 30 exquisite floral art pieces under the theme “Blossoms - Delights”, along with floral art workshops and demonstrations for the public. They can also join experiential activities such as aromatherapy, singing bowls, art therapy, painting and perfumery that relieve stress and enhance their physical and mental health through diversified guidance. The Beauty & Wellness Expo is also proud to have the continued support of The Federation of Beauty Industry (H.K.), the Hong Kong Hair & Beauty Merchants Association, the International Beauty & Health General Union, The Cosmetic & Perfumery Association of Hong Kong, and Hong Kong China Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness Limited.

Home Delights Expo – Elevate living vibes through innovation (15-19 August)

Celebrating its 10th year, the Home Delights Expo returns to showcase products and services designed to enhance the quality of life. Buyers and visitors can discover massage chairs, smart home technology, stylish homeware, bedding, furniture, and interior design services. The Avenue of Delights features 30 exhibitors including German Pool, Giormani, LAURASTAR, Osim, Tiger, Towngas, ZWILLING JA Henckels. The Creative Corner will spotlight innovative young start-ups offering unique products, such as carved aromastones, hand-drawn wall plaquesand customised street sign stands.

Four new themes featuring daily activities and product promotions

For the first time, HKTDC has introduced four new cross-fair theme days featuring curated activities and product promotions:

“Delights Across Mainland China” (15 August) - On the first day of the exhibition visitors will be introduced to famous dishes from Mainland China, such as the “Delicious Sichuan” Sichuan cuisine promotion, Jiangsu cuisine promotion, and a tasting of Inner Mongolian mutton paired with wine. Exhibitors will also showcase gold label Fo Tiao Qiang from Guangdong, pork knuckles in ginger vinegar stew, and, a Hong Kong favourite, sauerkraut fish fillet. Visitors will also be able to find quality agricultural products from Mainland China, such as Luochuan apples from Shaanxi, the home of apples and sweet corn grown at high altitude in the Qinba Mountains of Sichuan. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of Mainland China and some mainland provinces and cities will also bring their local products for promotion.

“Happy Friday” (16 August) – The event features award-winning mixologists showcasing their skills in non-alcoholic beverage preparation. Additionally, there will be wine tasting workshops, master chef plating demonstrations, rope skipping performance, and numerous photo opportunities. A number of exhibitors in the Gourmet Zone will be offering special prices for sake tasting, including Wine Spirit Limited's limited HK$1 Daiginjo tasting, draft beer crafted by Hong Kong's first Master Brewer and the award winning Japanese Umeshu, keeping visitors entertained and celebrating all day Friday.

“Japan & Korea Express” (17 August) – Visitors can immerse themselves in the latest Japanese and Korean food and lifestyle trends by experiencing live demonstrations of Korean kimchi-making and makeup tips sharing, witnessing the artistry of taekwondo and traditional Japanese kimono dances, and enjoying the energy of Korean dance performances. Culinary delights include the award-winning Japanese croissant Taiyaki, recipient of the 2023 Japan Food Selection Grand Prix, Korean Makgeolli rice wine, raw king crab legs and other local delicacies. Japanese and Korean household products will also include home use beauty gadgets, cold-pressure slow-grinding juicers, and more.

“Wellness Weekend” (17-18 August) – Visitors have the opportunity to embrace a balanced lifestyle over the weekend by attending a series of workshops and seminars, including sessions on healthy tea brewing, food waste management, wood colour painting, cloisonné enamel perfume bottle workshops, and a talk on urban disease prevention and treatment by doctors. There will also be a special performance by an award-winning young latte artist. Visitors can see and try health and well-being products, including Taiwan's ready-to-eat low-fat and calorie-control meal packs, Thai ketogenic slimming coffee, sleep-aid oils using ancient recipes, and massage chairs.

ICMCM – Discussion on industry-university-research collaboration and clinical research on traditional medicine (15-16 August)

The Modernized Chinese Medicine International Association (MCMIA) is partnering with the HKTDC, and ten scientific research institutions to present at the latest International Conference of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products (ICMCM). Themed "The Industry-University-Research Collaboration and Clinical Research on Traditional Medicine", this conference offers valuable Chinese medicine insights and information.

17 keynote speakers will discuss development trends, scientific research achievements, successful experiences, regulations, and the outlook of Chinese medicine and health products in connection to the “Belt and Road” initiative. The hybrid format of the conference aims to foster the exchange of ideas among speakers and participants, and registered Chinese medicine practitioners in Hong Kong who can apply for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits.

Lucky draw and various special offers

The fairs will feature daily lucky draws with an impressive prize pool worth HK$500,000. Prizes include kitchenware, furniture, beauty products and treatments, gourmet food, and health products etc. Visitors can enter the lucky draw by spending HK$200 or more on a single receipt, with a maximum of five entries per receipt at at the fairs. The Smart Bidding sessions will also be available, allowing visitors to bid for their favourite products starting from 90% discount. The HKTDC’s “August Happy Buy” promotional website will continue to provide the latest shopping information, including flash sales, limited offers and over 130 shopping coupons designed to enhance visitors’ Hong Kong shopping spree.

Physical ticket sales for the August exhibitions will not be available at the fairground. E-tickets can be purchased in advance through e-Payment Sponsor BoC Pay, offering a 10% discount on ticket purchases and discounts of up to HK$100 on purchases at the fairgrounds, or through AlipayHK’s “Movies/Tickets” and Alipay’s “Exhibition Tickets” applet. Designated number of ticket purchasers will receive a HK$2 discount and a complimentary HK$10 mooncake or fairground cash coupon. Visitors can also purchase tickets at the 01 Space e-ticketing platform, all 7-11 and Circle K convenience stores, and via the Octopus App or use their AlipayHK, Alipay or Octopus card for admission instantly at the toll booths set up at the fair entrance. The HKTDC has also extended the discounted morning and night admission tickets for the public on designated dates.

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Opening dates and times of the exhibitions:

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About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels.