Three HKTDC fairs attracts over 83,000 international buyers
THE Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) successfully concluded its 50th HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, 15th HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair, and 22nd Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center. Spanning four days from January 8 to 11, these physical fairs drew the participation of approximately 83,000 buyers from 135 countries and regions. In the year’s inaugural set of trade fairs, the trio collectively attracted over 42,000 buyers to the Toys & Games Fair, with more than 26,600 attendees at the Baby Products Fair and approximately 13,900 visitors to the Stationery & School Supplies Fair. Among the Asian attendees were buyers from Mainland China, ASEAN, Japan, Korea, and India, while European buyers traveled from the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Russia. Additionally, the fairs welcomed buyers from South Africa, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates. Notably, buyer participation was significantly increased from Mainland China, India, and ASEAN countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore.
The fairs also adopted the HKTDC’s hybrid Exhibition+ model, including physical shows and virtual access through the Click2Match platform, connecting exhibitors and buyers until January 18.
The joint opening ceremony of the Toys & Games Fair and Baby Products Fair on January 8 was officiated by Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong government; Dr. Peter KN Lam, chairman of HKTDC; Margaret Fong, executive director of HKTDC; and John Tong, Chairman of HKTDC Toys Advisory Committee. Celebrating the 50th edition of the Toys Fair, past chairmen and HKTDC Toys Advisory Committee members, industry leaders, and international buyers participated in the ceremony. The event featured engaging videos and a photo gallery showcasing the evolution of Toys Fairs over the past five decades.
In his address at the ceremony, Secretary Chan stated, “As Hong Kong’s ‘Toy Story’ continues to evolve with the support of events like this, so does our position as a preferred destination for MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions, and exhibitions) events in Asia. The convention and exhibition industry has long been an important contributor to our city’s overall economy. It attracts high-spending overnight business visitors, spurring economic activities and creating business and employment in sectors such as tourism, retail, and catering.”
Meanwhile, HKTDC Executive Tong proudly noted in his speech, “Looking back 50 years ago, in the 1970s, Hong Kong was already the world’s number one toy exporter, replacing Japan. So, we have more than 50 years of history, experience, and partnerships producing toys globally. Since then, the ‘Made in Hong Kong’ label has already become a world-renowned guarantee of premium goods and quality.
“The theme of ‘Innovative Play: A Legend Across Time’ marked the transformation of the Hong Kong toy industry from being a manufacturer of plastic toys some 50 years ago to a developer of STEM and STEAM educational toys, smart toys, and even digital games and green toys. Today’s Hong Kong remains the strongest toy industry player in the world, and the 50th edition of Toys & Games Fair is one of the world’s must-attend trade fairs,” he added.
One success story is Viking Toys AB of Sweden. With 50 years of industry experience, CEO and founder Gösta Kjellme shared in an interview with The Manila Times that their company has been actively participating in the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair for over two decades. During this time, they have garnered numerous international partners.
Kjellme said, “We have established 45 exclusive distributors worldwide including in the Philippines. Our primary markets are the US, Australia, and Japan. We anticipate that a minimum of 5 percent of the new contacts established at this fair will lead to business collaborations. Additionally, there is a notable increase in our online business, constituting around 10 to 15 percent of our total sales.”
Overall, the three fairs drew over 2,600 exhibitors from 35 countries and regions, including Hong Kong, Mainland China, Asia, Europe, and the US, presenting a large variety of innovative toys, quality baby products, and creative stationery.
New Zones
Besides innovative and Smart tech toys, this year’s fair launched three new zones: Green Toys, ODM Hubs, and Collectible Toys. The new Green Toys zone showcased products incorporating green and environmentally friendly elements, while ODM Hubs and Collectible Toys in Kidult World cater to the sourcing needs from the demands of design and the growing collectible market. For the Hong Kong Baby Products Fair, a wide range of baby toys, including furniture, skincare and bath products, clothing and footwear, and maternity products were featured with ODM Strollers and Gear Zone debuted at the fair.
The Baby Products Fair also brought together five group pavilions this year, including the return of well-received pavilions from Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong Children, Babies, Maternity Industries Association, while the Selection of Europe and Zhejiang’s Huzhou pavilions debut, presenting quality baby products such as baby fashion, health and bath items, as well as maternity supplies.
The Toy and Baby Products’ Brand Name Gallery returns, showcasing over 220 renowned toy brands and more than 40 baby product brands.
Meanwhile, organized by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, the Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair featured the latest school and office supplies, creative art supplies, and gift stationery. The organizers continue cooperating with renowned industry associations in different regions, including China Stationery and Sporting Goods Association, Malaysia Stationery Importers and Exporters Association, and The Federation of Stationers and Booksellers Association of Malaysia.
Asian Toys and Games Forum
Another fair highlight is the Asian Toys and Games Forum, which features industry experts discussing the emerging trends and distinctive market opportunities of the toys industry under the theme “Unlocking the Asia Market: Insights for the Toy Industry.” The panel discussion was moderated by Bryant Chan, chairman of Hong Kong Toys Council, and the four speakers shared insights on key topics shaping the toy industry’s development, including changing demographics, sustainability, as well as potential collaboration with franchises and digital platforms.
Clifton Chiu, senior analyst of Toys and Games at Euromonitor International, said kidults (blend of kid and adult) were increasingly critical targets for the toy industry as birth rates declined worldwide. Kidults were drawn to toys that could arouse nostalgia and help them rediscover childhood memories. The demographic now accounts for 25 percent of toy sales, a percentage expected to rise further.
Indeed, over the decades, Hong Kong Toys & Games, Baby Products, and Stationery & School Supplies Fair served as a comprehensive platform for the Hong Kong, mainland, and global industries, helping businesses expand their networks and explore opportunities. The HKTDC continues to boost international trade in all aspects, stepping up promotional efforts and strengthening Hong Kong’s status as an international trade, convention, and exhibition center.