Seven major trade exhibitions organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) concluded successfully, drawing nearly 100,000 buyers from 131 countries and regions. These events, held in late April and covering lifestyle products, printing and packaging, and licensing opportunities, saw increased buyer turnout across all fairs, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a global trade hub. More than 6,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries participated, connecting with international buyers through both physical and digital platforms.
The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair attracted 36,000 buyers, while Home InStyle saw over 20,000, and Fashion InStyle welcomed 11,000-plus. The Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong also brought in over 11,000 attendees. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS) and the Asian Licensing Conference (ALC) attracted more than 20,000 buyers and featured nearly 20 global industry leaders as speakers.
Positive outlook amid global challenges
Despite ongoing global economic uncertainties, 49.2 per cent of exhibitors and buyers surveyed at three lifestyle product fairs expected sales growth within two years, while 44.5 per cent anticipated stable performance. Top concerns included protectionist policies (45.7 per cent), economic fluctuations (43.3 per cent), and inflation (32 per cent). Respondents saw strong sales potential in Mainland China, India, Taiwan, South Korea, and ASEAN markets, with active exploration also focused on Europe, Japan, and North America.
Cultural gifts, tech gadgets, smart home technologies, fashion accessories, and womenswear were identified as key growth segments across lifestyle categories. Hong Kong exhibitors, like Moral Team Holdings Ltd and KnitWarm Ltd, reported strong orders and new market opportunities, with several companies noting increased buyer interest from Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Sustainability, innovation and cross-sector collaboration
The fairs facilitated creative synergies across sectors. Homelover Products Limited reported a doubling of new buyer visits and expects around $100,000 in sales. German buyer Michael Baumann placed potential orders worth up to $2.8 million, sourcing from multiple countries including India and Mainland China.
Eco-conscious exhibitors received strong responses amid rising sustainability interest. KnitWarm Ltd drew buyers with smart textile innovations, anticipating $200,000 in sales. Meanwhile, Fashion InStyle’s new zone, Next@Fashion InStyle, spotlighted sustainable materials. Malaysian buyer Richard Tsen expressed interest in mushroom leather from Indonesia’s MYCL, envisioning applications in both fashion and furniture.
Licensing and print industries tap cultural demand
At HKILS, Chengdu Chenghau Butterflies Huatian Culture Development signed a RMB2 million agreement for performances of Panda the Musical in Hong Kong and Macao. Industry leaders at the ALC discussed the growing potential of integrating real-world and virtual elements in cultural IPs, highlighting the creative edge of Hong Kong’s ecosystem.
The Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack also opened new doors. UK buyer Zahoor A Qurashi placed sustainable packaging orders worth $120,000 and sees million-dollar growth potential, particularly in eco-friendly solutions like heat-expandable cups.
Online-offline model boosts business engagement
The HKTDC continued to promote international cooperation by leveraging its Exhibition+ model, blending physical exhibitions with digital platforms. This allowed business negotiations to continue beyond the event period, supporting exhibitors in expanding to high-growth markets such as the Middle East and ASEAN.
Deputy Executive Director Sophia Chong reaffirmed HKTDC’s commitment to fostering global trade: “Despite global headwinds, we remain dedicated to supporting cross-sector cooperation and helping businesses tap into new markets.”
