11 April 2011 10:11 am Views - 10265
Where tea is paramount
To explore business expansion opportunities with tea producers, distributors and marketers from the great tea production centres of the world, visit the Hong Kong International Tea Fair 2011.
Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council with the Chinese Tea Culture International Exchange Association, the fair is young - 2011 is only its third edition - but it has already made a powerful impact.
In 2010, just its second edition, the fair attracted over 10,000 trade buyers from 59 countries & regions. They were able to connect with over 300 exhibitors from 15 countries & regions, presenting an enormous range of tea, mate and related products.
What you will see
As the increasingly sophisticated consumer market demands greater variety in tea products, distributors and retailers need to find more imaginative offerings to stimulate the market even more.
The fair is a wide-ranging marketplace with many varieties of tea, processed tea and tea products. The number of suppliers of traditional tea favourites allows the buyer to do some rewarding comparison 'shopping' for staple products, as well as exploring the possibilities of new products.
In addition, there are exhibitors representing the tea packaging sector as well as tea processing equipment and testing services. Tea ware and items related to tea craft are on offer as well.
What you can do
Buyers can increase their product knowledge throughout tea-tasting sessions in which exhibitors give in-depth information. They can also attend more formal information events including the prestigious Tea Industry Conference, with its expert insights into hot topic concerning the global tea industry, and choose from a programme of seminars, forums and workshops covering commercial aspects of the industry or exploring the international culture of tea.
Promoting tea culture
Some of the excitement of this vibrant fair is generated by its competitions. The International KamCha Competition introduces teams preparing Hong Kong-style milk tea while the Yunnan Pu’er Tea Competition is judged by international experts. Results of the competitions are announced at the fair.
The whole industry benefits as the public's appreciation of tea is widened. With over 50,000 members of the public attending the fair's open day, the Tea Gallery, an educational corner with displays of tea ware, and the International Tea Art Showcase, demonstrating the tea ceremonies of different cultures, are important highlights of the fair.
Concurrent events
HKTDC Food Expo, a hugely popular event for trade and public, and the International Conference & Exhibition of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Health Products (ICMCM) are on at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) at the same time as the Tea Fair. Buyers will find interest and value in both events.
Hong Kong, ideal for tea trading
Hong Kong has been ranked as the freest economy in the world for 17 consecutive years now. With no tea production of its own Hong Kong is an impartial trading hub. Buyers can expect outstanding support in terms of financial. communications and logistic infrastructure.
HKCEC, the fair's venue, places buyers in one of Hong Kong's most active commercial and entertainment districts, Wanchai. Central and Causeway Bay, with more business facilities as well as shopping, dining and nightlife, are just minutes away. The ferry terminal located next to HKCEC has a frequent cross-harbour service to Kowloon.
Fairground services and facilities
HKCEC is a world-class venue with its own dining and shopping options. The fair organisers provide a wide range of services for buyers, including courtesy HKTDC Buyer Centre and VIP buyers can use the comfortable Dragon Lounge with its complimentary snacks and beverages.
Pre-register today
Pre-registration as a buyer allows you to access the fair's website services, including business matching and appointment scheduling with exhibitors. You will receive your buyer badge by mail, avoiding the queues for onsite registration at this popular fair.
Hear what the buyers say in 2010 fair
"Consimpex has been in business for about 10 years, mainly importing tea from Sri Lanka for sale in Poland. This is our first visit to Hong Kong. I like the idea of making the tea fair an individual exhibition as it is easy to find suppliers and exhibitors. There are a number of exhibitors from Chinese Mainland, Taiwan and other places of the world, and I’ve already found several interesting items including green tea products from a Taiwan supplier. This is a very convenient place for sourcing."
Michał Szostek, Import Manager, Consimpex, Poland
“Established in 1994, QTrade is the largest importer of organic and fair trade teas in USA. The Hong Kong fair is a good show. The organiser has made a lot effort with attention to details in running the show and the exhibition venue is excellent. I’ve been exposed in great depth and variety of Chinese teas here.
I’ve identified three new suppliers for future cooperation. We buy in large quantity and aim to build up a long-term relationship with them.”
Manjiv Jayakumar, Director, QTrade Teas & Herbs, USA
“Adach is a tea importer and wholesaler in UAE. We will also open our own tea shops soon. At present, we source tea products mainly from Europe. This is my first-time experience in the Hong Kong fair. I’ve found a comprehensive range of tea products at the exhibition. I am particularly interested in green tea and have taken samples from many exhibitors. I will find the best suppliers after further discussion with them. This fair is well organised and very useful to me.”
Sami El-Masri, Director, Adach, UAE