2,200 exhibitors from 17 countries and regions expanded their business networks and pioneered new markets at the HKTDC-organised Home InStyle and Fashion InStyle, which attracted some 24,000 buyers from 100 countries and regions, with a significant presence from Mainland China, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan and the United States.
An independent research agency commissioned by the HKTDC interviewed some 740 exhibitors and buyers on-site at the two fairs. The survey revealed an optimistic sales-growth outlook, with 64% of respondents of the view that overall sales will increase in the next 12 to 24 months.
Among Home InStyle respondents, 36% identify business leads driven from e-tailing as the most significant business opportunity in 2024, while 42% of Fashion InStyle respondents believe the major opportunity lies in recovering purchasing power from customers.
Home InStyle respondents predicted that kitchenware and tableware (22%) would have the biggest growth potential this year, while simple design (25%), smart home products (24%), and environmentally friendly and energy-saving products (22%) will be the most popular trends. Fashion InStyle respondents identified urban clothing (35%) and womenswear (33%) as having the highest growth potential.
In terms of market outlook, respondents from the Home InStyle believe sales prospects are promising in the Middle East (89%), Mainland China (79%) and ASEAN (76%) markets. Meanwhile, respondents from Fashion InStyle consider Taiwan (75%), Latin America (74%), and ASEAN (72%) as markets with favourable sales prospects.
Aligning with today’s sustainability agenda and in response to the Hong Kong SAR Government’s new plastic free regulations on disposable tableware, both fairs featured an extensive range of eco-friendly products.
Hong Kong exhibitor Uphold Living Ltd provided a portable foldable cutlery set at Home InStyle as a sustainable alternative to disposable cutlery.
Eric Tong, Director and Co-Founder, said: “A German buyer will be our sole distributor in Germany and the United Kingdom and placed an order for 10,000 sets valued at US$136,500. We have found potential distributors from Korea, Singapore and the US and potential buyers from Taiwan and Hong Kong. The pre-fair news coverage has also generated four leads from local buyers.”
Indonesian buyer Mulianingsih planned to procure plastic boxes and glass food containers worth over US$400,000. She said: “At Home InStyle, I could directly purchase new products from suppliers at lower prices. So I don’t have to rely on Jakarta’s distributors. Through [HKTDC’s] Click2Match, I identified two potential suppliers for plastic boxes and food containers and have already placed sample orders.”
Saudi Arabian exhibitor Plastic Manufacturing House Co. made its debut at the fair, where it engaged with buyers from South America, Canada, Europe, Morocco, the Philippines, Mainland China and Hong Kong. The company is confident it will strike a HK$400,000 (US$51,000) deal with Moroccan buyers.
The Taiwan Creative Industry Development Association brought five brands and two jewellery designers to exhibit at Fashion InStyle. According to the Association’s Brian Hsueh, the exhibition allowed them to connect with over 30 potential buyers from Mainland China, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Russia, Singapore, Spain, and more. They estimated they can secure orders valued at over US$200,000.
Tze Her Ying, Chief Operating Officer of the Saturday Club, was impressed by Fashion InStyle, where she sourced items for the Singapore-based ladies’ wear brand. She has identified two suppliers and made plan to order approximately 5,000 items, including sportswear, like yoga wear, from a supplier within the Athleisure zone.
“I was impressed by the fair, and the Click2Match business matching platform was very useful. It allowed us to identify potential suppliers before even arriving at the event. I highly recommend companies in the industry to visit this exhibition.”