Food Expo Opens as Platform for HK Brands to Expand Overseas and Tap Halal Markets
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago7 MIN
Summary
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) launched its annual Food Expo and concurrent Food & Hospitality Expo at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on Thursday, transforming the venue into a pivotal gateway for food businesses seeking to expand beyond local markets. Exhibitors from Hong Kong, mainland China, Thailand, and other regions are using these platforms to target Southeast Asian nations and Muslim-majority countries, with halal-certified products representing a significant new direction for several companies. The events also feature the Hong Kong International Tea Expo and, for the first time, bring together exhibitors from all 11 ASEAN member countries.
Key Points
- The HKTDC is hosting the Food Expo from August 13 to 17 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, alongside the Food & Hospitality Expo and Hong Kong International Tea Expo from August 13 to 15
- Tai Po Chun Heng, a local meatball manufacturer, secured halal certification at its Hong Kong factory last year and is targeting Malaysia as its first international market, with plans to expand to Indonesia next
- Executive Director Chan Ngok-shing stated the company's vision is to become "the world's most famous and healthiest meatball brand" by emphasizing transparency in product quality
- Dong'e Ejiao International, a mainland Chinese traditional medicine company, established a Hong Kong presence last year and aims to leverage Hong Kong's internationally recognized TCM standards to enter Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern markets
- The expo introduced a dedicated "Meat" section this year and, for the third consecutive year, features a "Halal Food and Beverages" zone catering to growing Muslim consumer demand
- A Thai doughnut brand called Drop by Dough opened its first Hong Kong store in Sheung Wan and is using the expo to explore Greater Bay Area expansion opportunities
- Potentially relevant company, a mainland hotpot and烧烤食材 chain, views Hong Kong as an ideal "testing ground" for overseas expansion before committing to broader Southeast Asian markets
- HKTDC spokesperson emphasized that these exhibitions serve as bridges connecting Chinese and foreign food enterprises, with Southeast Asia identified as the primary first-stop market for many exhibitors
Why It Matters
The Food Expo has evolved into a strategic platform for Hong Kong and mainland Chinese companies to test international waters, particularly in high-growth halal markets that remain largely untapped by local brands. The participation of all ASEAN member countries signals a deepening of regional trade ties, positioning Hong Kong as both a gateway for mainland companies going global and a hub for international brands entering the Chinese market.
The Food Expo has evolved into a strategic platform for Hong Kong and mainland Chinese companies to test international waters, particularly in high-growth halal markets that remain largely untapped by local brands. The participation of all ASEAN member countries signals a deepening of regional trade ties, positioning Hong Kong as both a gateway for mainland companies going global and a hub for international brands entering the Chinese market.