The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) today concluded seven flagship lifestyle and licensing events, attracting over 95,000 buyers from 134 countries and regions for sourcing and business negotiations. The events included the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, which drew over 32,000 buyers; Home InStyle, with some 20,000 buyers; Fashion InStyle, gathering around 12,000 buyers; the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, which saw over 9,600 attendees; and the Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS), which attracted over 21,000 buyers, alongside the Asian Licensing Conference (ALC). Non-local buyers primarily came from Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, and Japan, with significant growth from the Philippines, Canada, and Türkiye.
Jenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: "In alignment with the national 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong will continue to actively develop its role as a regional intellectual property trading hub, further enhancing its international competitiveness. The seven flagship events fully showcased Hong Kong's distinctive strengths in lifestyle, cultural and creative design, brand development, and intellectual property, offering global buyers a rich array of sourcing options."
A survey of 1,541 exhibitors and buyers at the Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, and Fashion InStyle revealed that nearly half (49.0%) of respondents expected overall sales to rise in the next one to two years, while 44.6% foresaw stable sales. The greatest operational challenges identified were fluctuations in the global economy (47.8%), conflict-led crises such as geopolitical tensions (37.2%), and growing protectionist measures (33.7%). Respondents believed sales prospects are promising in ASEAN countries (69.0%), Taiwan (67.9%), India (66.7%), Korea (65.2%), and Chinese Mainland (63.0%). Exhibitors are actively exploring markets in Europe (34.0%), ASEAN countries (18.3%), North America (16.0%), the Middle East (13.6%), and Australia (12.8%).
Product trends indicate strong growth potential in cultural gifts (19.7%), sustainable gifts (18.6%), and tech gifts (18.6%) in the gifts and premiums market. In furniture and home products, designer furniture and houseware (27.3%), interior decoration and handicrafts (27.1%), and smart home technology (23.0%) are promising. In fashion, designer clothing (42.4%), urban clothing (34.5%), and womenswear (31.9%) have the strongest growth potential.
The Gifts & Premium Fair also highlighted Hong Kong’s role as a trade platform, with the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanxi Provincial Committee and Fujian Sub-Council signing memoranda of understanding (MOU) with the HKTDC. The Busan Economic Promotion Agency also signed an MOU to promote Korean gift products via Hong Kong. Semk Holdings International Limited, a character IP licensing firm, showcased B.Duck co-branded products and connected with buyers from Mexico, Canada, Europe, and Southeast Asia. The UAE made its debut at the fair, with Alpha Art founder Mohanmed Alayat noting around 40 new clients and anticipated orders of about US$1 million.
Fashion InStyle featured the returning NEXT@Fashion InStyle zone, with over 60 new material exhibitors. Textile Library from Hangzhou returned after connecting with a Thai exhibitor last year and collaborated with Hong Kong designer brand Ponder.er. Founder Mary Ma stated the materials drew strong interest and yielded several cooperation intentions. New High Limited, a local swimwear and sportswear exhibitor, connected with about 50 potential buyers, including from Dubai and North Africa, with expected total orders of about US$100,000. Kolon Industries FnC from Korea connected with suppliers from Sweden, Germany, and Southeast Asia, planning to apply sustainable materials to sports collections. Brazilian e-commerce fashion brand Amaro found inspiration in salmon skin leather and pineapple fibre fabrics, with an expected initial order of US$100,000.
Home InStyle introduced innovative materials for homeware. Lotux International Holdings from Hong Kong presented biodegradable cutlery and deodorising cat litter made from lotus stems. Sales Director Daphne Wan reported strong interest and discussions with a houseware company for eco-friendly straws. allcareAI Limited debuted an infection-prevention mobile toilet, receiving over 20 enquiries from care homes and potential partners globally. TFE Holdings Limited showcased a concrete coffee machine at the Cultural and Creative Avenue, engaging with over 20 potential buyers and expecting around 15 orders worth about US$1 million.
The Printing & Packaging Fair attracted buyers like Hot Packaging LLC from the Middle East, which sourced eco-friendly packaging solutions. Senior Commercial Officer Anas Bin Haneef connected with 12 new suppliers and expects trial orders worth US$35,000 to US$75,000 for corrugated paper bags and biodegradable products. W.H.Y. Brand Consultancy participated in DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong for the first time, connecting with printers and design firms, and expects about US$400,000 in business.
At the Hong Kong International Licensing Show, Postgal Workshop reached a licensing agreement with Malaysia’s M&M Creations Holdings for its IP “Din Dong,” estimated to be worth over US$200,000. At the Asian Licensing Conference, Maura Regan, President and CEO of Licensing International, stated: "We remain convinced that we'll see significant growth across property types. The licensing industry is not slowing down."
For more information, visit the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, Fashion InStyle, Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair, DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong, and Hong Kong International Licensing Show websites.
