Hong Kong brands have captured the hearts and tastebuds of buyers at the China International Consumer Goods Expo held in Haikou, Hainan Province from 13 to 18 April.
As China’s only national-level trade fair for consumer goods, the exhibition featured more than 1,700 exhibitors from 71 countries and regions, including the major consumer markets of Japan, Korea, the UK and Canada, as well as smaller markets such as Slovakia and Brazil.
Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the Hong Kong pavilion displayed products from 45 brands in three categories - "Fashion Trends, Home Living & Personal Care", "Food" and "Healthcare".
Among the distinctive food brands on display were HK Chan Chi Mei (“True Taste”), which has been cooking up stews, sausages and condiments in Hong Kong for over 50 years. Another exhibitor was Hong Kong Biscuits, which promotes the traditional Chinese concept of using food to treat illness.
Nutritional supplements retailer Catalo, which has more than a hundred outlets in Hong Kong, participated in the exhibition again this year. In recent years, the company has set up an intelligent production centre in Hong Kong to locally manufacture supplements in capsule, tablets and powder formulations, and provide personalised blending services. Using their "Made in Hong Kong" status, the company distributes its products in Mainland China tariff-free via the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), a free trade agreement concluded by the mainland and Hong Kong.
In the apparel arena, swimwear brand Gourami exhibited at the fair for the first time. The brand's founders, Yau Chi Ching and Ms Fong Chui Man, said they hoped to raise awareness of their brand and find partners to expand their business.
At 600 square metres, the Hong Kong pavilion was the largest pavilion in the Consumer Products Zone at the Expo and played host to a busy schedule of product demonstrations, games and giveaways.
Pavilion visitors also had the chance to try authentic Hong Kong snacks such as curry fish balls, French toast and lemon tea, allowing everyone to get a firsthand taste of Hong Kong.
