About 120,000 buyers, up about 6 per cent from last year, attended the year’s first fairs organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
More than 2940 international exhibitors had their goods on show at the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, Hong Kong Baby Products Fair and Hong Kong International Stationery Fair. Held in conjunction was the Hong Kong International Licensing Show.
At least 49,000 buyers went to the Toys & Games Fair, while nearly 33,000 and around 21,000 buyers visited the Baby Products Fair and Stationery Fair respectively. The Licensing Show attracted 22,000-plus visitors. Featured were educational toys, smart baby products and eco-friendly stationery.
More buyers attended from emerging markets such as India and Malaysia, says HKTDC deputy-executive director Benjamin Chau, plus there was a double-digit percentage increase in the number of buyers from Mainland China.
Director/vice-GM Johnny Sze of Eastcolight (Hong Kong), which produces STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) toys, says the company generated 70 per cent of its annual sales turnover at the Toys & Games Fair.
At the Baby Products Fair for its second consecutive year, Italian exhibitor Pali doubled its booth size. R&D manager Claudio Biferali says the company attracted new buyers from Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and Ukraine.
At the concurrent Hong Kong International Stationery Fair, Thai retailer Asia Books found three new vendors, including Japanese stationery brand Kokuyo. Marketing manager Gesarin Anek says the fair is ideal for sourcing high-quality, innovative products.
