Editor’s Note
This article reports on the successful conclusion of HOFEX 2025, Asia’s premier B2B food and hospitality trade fair, in Hong Kong. The event underscores the city’s pivotal role as a global trade hub and highlights the continued growth and international scope of the regional food industry.
The comprehensive food trade fair “HOFEX 2025 – Asia’s Food & Hospitality Tradeshow” and “ProWine Hong Kong” were held from May 14 to 16 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. According to the organizer, Informa Markets, HOFEX 2025 is Asia’s largest B2B trade fair for the food and hospitality industry, held biennially in Hong Kong. With a 38-year history, this edition featured over 2,000 companies and brands from more than 28 countries and regions.
The venue featured country/region-specific areas and product category zones. In the Japan Area, five Japanese companies had dedicated booths, while other Japanese firms exhibited in product category zones, often in collaboration with local partners. JETRO set up a promotional booth in the Japan Area to introduce its support services to visitors. The JETRO booth attracted buyers from various countries and regions, including restaurants, wholesalers, and retailers.
Exhibitors across a wide range of food-related sectors, including tableware, kitchen equipment, and order management/payment services for the food industry, showcased new products and the latest technologies. In the kitchen equipment area, robotics and IoT-based products that automate cooking and packaging processes attracted attention. Several machines that automatically make and package sushi and onigiri (rice balls) were seen, reflecting the popularity of Japanese food.
There were also booths introducing environmentally friendly packaging materials and technologies, with many companies emphasizing problem-solving and sustainability through innovation.
The concurrently held “ProWine Hong Kong” featured pavilions from eight countries and regions, showcasing wine, spirits, and Japanese sake. Seminars on trends and professional knowledge led by Masters of Wine and industry insiders were held within the venue.
Furthermore, competitions such as the “Hong Kong International Culinary Classic” (with over 500 participants from around the world), the “Hong Kong & Macau Top 10 Bar Awards,” and the “Speed Coffee Art Championship” took place. Chefs, bartenders, and baristas participating in these events also visited the JETRO booth, showing particular interest in Japanese seasonings and beverages.
The organizer plans to hold the “Restaurant, Bar & Café Hong Kong” trade fair for the foodservice industry in Hong Kong in September 2025. Exhibitors hoping to develop sales channels, particularly for restaurants, expressed anticipation for this event.
(Note 1) In Indonesia, a regulation issued on February 2, 2021, regarding the implementation of Halal product assurance mandated that Halal certification and labeling for food products circulating domestically, including imports, be obtained by October 17, 2024. However, Regulation No. 42 of 2024, issued on October 18, 2024, stipulates an extension of the compliance deadline for Halal certification for imported food products, up to a maximum of October 17, 2026.
(Note 2) One of the world’s most prestigious wine qualifications, awarded by the Institute of Masters of Wine based in London, UK.
(Reporter: Maki Sugimoto)