Organiser: Major Supporters:

HOFEX 2017 wrapped up with tremendous success on 11th May. Over 39,060 visitors from

86 countries and regions participated in the four-day show, reaffirming its role as Asia’s

leading food and hospitality tradeshow.

With 2,661 International Exhibiting Companies from 74 countries and regions occupying

66,000m² exhibiting space, HOFEX 2017 achieved a groundbreaking record in the number

of visitors, exhibiting space, exhibiting companies and official pavilions. The show saw a

substantial increase in overseas visitors, in particular the 6,683 from South China

representing a growth of 56.4%. There were other noticeable increases in buyers from

Macao and Korea, with the total number of overseas visitors growing by 17.2% compared

to 2015 visitor numbers.

In addition, the collaboration with ProWein – the World’s No.1 Wine and Spirits Tradeshow

in Dusseldorf, to launch ProWine Asia’s inaugural Hong Kong edition has also opened a

new important source to bridge the world of wines to Asia.

HOFEX is the most comprehensive tradeshow, encompassing all relevant industry sectors,

delivering an unparalleled experience.

Visiting Countries

& Regions

Visitors

returning 2 days or more

Overseas

Visitor Growth

Exhibiting Countries

& Regions

Exhibiting

Space

International

Food & Drinks

Meat @ HOFEX Foodservice

Equipment & Supplies

ProWine Asia @

HOFEX

Bakery & Confectionery

@ HOFEX

Hospitality Design &

Supplies

Hospitality

Technology Bean2Cup @

HOFEX

Official Pavilions

International

Exhibitors

Trade

Buyers

• Australia

• Germany

• Italy

• Japan

• Korea

• Spain

• Taiwan

• The United Kingdom

• Turkey

• USA

:

78% 22% International Local

This year, HOFEX saw substantial growth in

number of exhibiting countries, highlighting the

importance of Hong Kong’s strategic position in

Asia, its strong international trade links and close

connection with China. Hong Kong leads as

Asia’s most exciting market for international food

& hospitality exporters to Asia.

In addition to the founding members, HOFEX welcomed a total of 46 official pavilions, with

first time participating countries such as Belarus, Finland, Georgia, Ireland, Latvia, Peru and

Sweden joining the biennial feast!

印度

List of visiting companies

Local Visitors

Overseas Visitors

Origins of Buyers - Total of 39,060 Buyers

• King Parrot Group

• Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group

• Maxim's Group

• NISSIN Foods Group

• PARKnSHOP (HK) LTD

• Starbucks Coffee Asia Pacific Limited

• Swire Properties Ltd

• TESCO China

• The Dairy Farm Group

• The CLP Group

• Unilever

• Walmart China

…more

• BreadTalk Group

• Cathay Pacific Airways

• Circle K Convenience Store

• CitySuper

• Dining Concepts

• Dorsett Hospitality International

• Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

• Gate Gourmet

• Hong Kong Disneyland

• Hong Kong Jockey Club

• Jebsen Group

• Kerry Properties

69%

31%

The Americas

250

Europe 465

Middle East

& Africa 138

Macao 1,341

China 6,683

Hong Kong

27,036 Taiwan

705

Philippines

524

Australia &

Oceania

321Other Asian

Countries 1,597

Breakdown by business nature

807

56

64

86

140

200

206

219

222

249

252

280

295

299

327

338

385

398

400

467

480

488

531

539

607

673

731

1,067

1,413

1,519

1,675

2,379

2,394

2,947

3,024

4,153

8,750

Others

Fitness Center / SPA & Wellness

Airport / Terminal

Safety & Security

Attractions / Theme Park

Department Store / Duty Free Shop

Wine & Spirits Related Equipment / Accessories

Government Agency

Associations

Convenient Store / Grocery Store

Airline / Cruise Line / Rail

Research & Development

Media

Property Development & Management

Consultancy / Hospitality Management Service

Fishery

Vineyard / Wine Producer

Logistic

Specialty Food

Health / Organic Food

Design / Furnishing

IT / Telecommunications / Data Management

Clubhouse / Country Club / Sport & Recreation Club

Supermarket / Hypermarket

Academic Training Institute / Hospitality Schools

Institutional catering (Contract / Airline / Rail)

Wine / Sparkling Wines / Spirits / Alcohol Drinks

Fast Food / Take Away

Bakery / Sweets / Confectionery

Consultancy / F&B Management

Bar / Entertainment / Night Club / Pub

Café / Coffee Shop

Manufacturer / Supplier

Restaurant / Bistro

Hotel / Serviced Apartment / Resort

Foodservice

Importer / Distributor / Wholesaler

568

1,893

2,991

4,659

7,906

8,526

9,103

9,659

12,391

20,564

Others

Industry Services

Hospitality Design & Supplies

Hospitality Technology

Bakery Equipment & Ingredients

Meat

Foodservice Equipment

Coffee & Tea

Wine / Spirits / Beer

Food & Drinks

Breakdown by job functions

Breakdown by product interest

*Analysis by buyers’ interest has multiple responses from attendees

926

117

149

206

227

266

372

384

413

478

532

851

883

1,194

1,723

2,316

2,419

3,257

5,175

7,101

10,071

Media / Others

Recreation / Entertainment / Spa / Resorts

Dietitian / Nutritionist / Food Technologist

Investor / Wine Broker

Housekeeping

Quality Audit / Control

Logistic / Product & Inventory

Bartender / Brewer / Mixologist / Sommelier

Architect / Design / Interior Design / Visual Display

Energy Saving / Engineering / Facility Management / Security

Barista / Coffee Roasters

Customer Services / Front Office

Executive Pastry Chef / Patissier / Baker

Academia / Project Management / Research & Development

Executive Steward / Kitchen Operations

I.T / Technology / Account / Financial Controller

Executive Chef / Chef / Cook

F&B / Catering Management / Consultant

Merchandising & Purchasing / Buyer

Business Development / Sales / Marketing

Owner / Proprietor / President / CEO / General Manager

To commemorate HOFEX’s 30th Anniversary, the tradeshow marked founding national

pavilions Japan, USA and UK’s presence at the very first edition in 1987. The Official Partner

Countries, showcased their long association with HOFEX with an exciting array of

innovative products, workshops and live demonstrations.

Kick starting the first day, Japan held an opening ceremony to celebrate the continual

partnership with HOFEX. Based on the theme of “Stories from Japan”, they promoted the

country's traditional and unique food culture. Attended by many, the Japan pavilion

successfully showed its “Genki” - a Japanese expression meaning good spirits – through a

series of interactive and entertaining events.

The United States pavilion presented a diverse selection of high quality food and

beverages on the second day, with both traditional and innovative products readily

available for retail and food service buyers. The exciting live demonstrations provided a

wonderful opportunity for Asia’s F&B professionals to understand America’s food culture

and its staple food items.

To conclude this significant partnership, the United Kingdom pavilion prepared a

full day of engaging activities, with fun and informative tastings and workshops

including masterclasses in the unique Meat@HOFEX platform. Trade buyers were

treated to a quintessentially British experience, with Afternoon Tea tasting, Scottish

Surf & Turf reception and butchery demonstrations all proving inspiring and

enjoyable for the pavilion's many visitors.

As the newest of the ProWein-World international trade fairs, ProWine Asia’s inaugural

Hong Kong exhibition, held as part of HOFEX 2017, staged a truly prolific expo. Showcases

a huge variety of wines and spirits, products and solutions from around the world, the show

brought the finest selection of beverages to the premier trading hub of the Asia-Pacific

region.

Powered by the exclusive collaboration, the success of ProWine Asia @ HOFEX 2017 is a

testament to Asia’s booming wine and spirits trade. Over 300 exhibitors and 12,184 trade

professionals participated in the show, with highlights including the first ever Champagne

Lounge and the ever-popular Whiskey Pavilions.

The exhibition is jointly organised by Messe Düsseldorf China, a member of Messe

Düsseldorf Group - organisers of the industry-leading ProWein Düsseldorf – and UBM HKES,

organiser of HOFEX. The next edition of ProWine Asia Hong Kong will once again be

collocated with HOFEX 2019 at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)

from 7th to 10th May 2019.

As one of the signature events of HOFEX, the Hong Kong International Culinary Classic

(HKICC) the prestigious cooking competition was once again endorsed by the World

Association of Chefs' Societies (WACS). During the four-day event, 900 contestants from

Hong Kong, China, Korea, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Thailand, Germany, Taiwan,

Australia, the Philippines and Macau participated in 28 categories, divided into Chinese

and Western Cuisine, as well as Pastry and Team Challenges all competing for a chance

to be crowned best in show.

HOFEX 2017 launched Asia’s revolutionary barista competition – Mixed Barista Arts (MBA) -

with the help of world-renowned barista, Scottie Callaghan and a wonderful supporting

team. The competition impressed the industry with its unique and innovative competition

formula, testing the abilities of 36 semi-final competitors in areas including grinder

assembly, knowledge of roasted coffee beans by country, and latte art skills. These tests

aim to mimic the everyday challenges of skilled coffee baristas.

After rounds of intensive competition, Hoi Pang Mok, representing his own company, was

crowned the first Mixed Barista Arts winner!

Hong Kong’s lifestyle celebrities joined as the VIP guest

judge.

Mr. Hoi Pang Mok (on the left), the first MBA winner,

awarded presented by Ms. Valentine de Parisot (on the

right), Project Manager of Foodgears Industrial

International Ltd.

Presented by BOLS, Allworld Open Cup (AOC) is an iconic bartending competition in Asia.

This year, 84 contestants entered the battle, displaying their creativity, knowledge and

skills in mixology. The Regional Winner went to Wu Pei Chi – Taiwan, and the International

Winner went to Kazuya Morisaki from the Nippon Bartenders Association.

Co-organised with FCSI (Foodservice Consultant Society International), the ACE Awards

distinguish excellent, first-rated and outstanding equipment and further promote the idea

of sustainable catering within the industry and beyond.

Co-organised by the Hong Kong Hotels Association, the luncheon has invited Mrs. Regina

Leung, wife of Mr. Leung Chun-ying, former Chief Executive of Hong Kong and attracted

over 70 GMs and VIPs from leading hotels across Asia to discuss innovative management

concepts, the latest industry trends and developments as well as solutions to cope with

future challenges.

Sponsored by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Gala Dinner which held on May 10th 2017

was concluded with huge success with over 180 guests, filled with overseas buyers, agents

and long supporting organisations at the famous Hong Kong Jockey Club – a world-class

horseracing venue. It was a quality time for great food, horse racing and making

connections, truly a fine scene to be remembered.

The Welcome Cocktail, sponsored by Invest Hong Kong, took place at the Balcony of the

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre on the first evening of HOFEX. With a stunning

night view of Victoria harbour, it provided a relaxed atmosphere for over 500 international

delegations, sponsors, exhibitors and trade partners to mingle and socialize.

A first-class, trade-focused event programme spanned all four days and included talks by

top opinion-leaders and experts from around the globe. Altogether, more than 450 guests

attended each day, filling 90% of seats!

Highlights of the show programme included seminars and guided tastings by Jancis

Robinson OBE, MW, one of the most influential wine critics and advisor for the wine cellar

of Queen Elizabeth II, sharing her expertise on topics such as how to judge wine quality,

and offering choice selections of wines to celebrate typically under-appreciated grape

varieties.

Debra Meiburg, MW, the first recipient of the Master of Wine title in Asia, hosted a series of

Asia Wine Summit seminars covering E-commerce, gender-specific marketing, and the link

between wine education and sales. She also explored trade developments and industry

trends throughout the Asia-Pacific.

Other event highlights included wine, spirits, whiskey and sake master-classes by Wine &

Spirit Education Trust (WSET), Jennie Mack & Asia Wine and Service Education Centre

(AWSEC), Highland Park & Edrington, and exclusive events at the ProWine Asia

Champagne Lounge. Additional international wine seminars were also offered by Austria,

Israel, Italy, Portugal and Spain.

• Chinese Cuisine Institute of Vocational Training Council

• Hong Kong Bakery & Confectionery Association Ltd

• Hong Kong Bar & Club Association

• Hong Kong Bartenders Association

• Hong Kong Chefs Association

• Foodservice Consultants Society International (FCSI) -

Asia Pacific

• Hong Kong Sommelier Association

• Hong Kong Tourism Board

• Hong Kong Wine Chamber of Commerce

• Hospitality Industry Training & Development

Centre of Vocational Training Council

• Lan Kwai Fong Association

• Singapore Hotel Association

• The Club Managers' Association of Hong Kong

• WACS - World Association of Chefs Societies

• 廣州地區酒店協會

• 廣州市越秀區食品商會

…more

…more

• AsiaHORECA

• Asian Hotel and Catering

Times

• Bar Talk

• Cru Magazine

• Decanter

• Drinks World Asia

• Grocery Trade Magazine

• HOTEL Magazine (USA)

• Openrice Hong Kong

• Pasticceria Internazionale

• PRC Magazine

• PuntoIT

• Spirito diVino Asia

• Supermarket News

• Tasting Kitchen

• Today's Baking

• Toque N Wok

• Wine Luxe

• Wine Now Monthly

• 21food.cn

• 咖啡沙龙

• 中国饭店

• 广州日报

• 采购杂志

• 酒典

Invest

Hong Kong Hong Kong

Tourism Board Meetings & Exhibitions

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Hotels

Association The Hong Kong

Chefs Association

“It’s an excellent show and offers us lots of

opportunities from professional serious people and

gives us a great opportunity to show our wines. Hong

Kong is very well situated geographically - you’re in

the heart of Asia and have a wide range of people

and countries coming and gives us an excellent

opportunity to showcase our wines.”

Zantho Fine Wines, Austria

“HOFEX has always been innovative and knows well

about the industry. The revolutionary barista

competition – Mixed Barista Arts (MBA) has blown my

mind. The concept is fun, unique and very

professional. Well done to the first!”

Mr. Clive Chan,

Group CEO, Hiang Kie Coffee Group Ltd

“This is already the fifth time we are visiting HOFEX and

it just grows bigger and bigger every edition! Very

impressed with the national pavilions this year with a

lot of fascinating new groups and new products.

Can’t wait for the next edition!”

Asia's Best Female Chef 2017 - Ms May Chow,

Director, Little Bao

“Exhibitors who came along with TAITRA were

impressed by the scale and quality of HOFEX 2017. We

were able to meet with lots of potential buyers and

since then we have been looking forward to joining

the next edition.”

Ms. Michelle Wu,

Manager, Food Marketing Section, Strategic Marketing

Department, Taiwan External Trade Development

Council (TAITRA)

“Meat @ HOFEX has opened with a real buzz and it’s

fantastic! Prime meat is certainly getting more

attention and through this tradeshow, we have made

some good leads and spoke to some really important

decision makers from the region. We are looking

forward to exhibiting at HOFEX 2019 already!”

Mr. Romeo Alfonso,

Managing Director, Sutherland Gastronomy

“ProWine Asia has made the right decision to launch

one of its episodes in Hong Kong and be as part of

HOFEX - the best F&B tradeshows in Asia. We are

thankful to meet with many new suppliers and to find

new ideas for future industry development.”

Mr. Nelson Chow,

Chairman, Hong Kong Sommelier Association