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Tea trading at its best
More than 310 tea producers, distributors and related businesses from around the world are expected to exhibit at the HKTDC Hong Kong International Tea Fair 2012.
Taking place in one of the great trading cities of the world, the fair has become the industry event of choice. Its wide and diverse offering attracted more than 10,420 visitors from 57 countries & regions in 2011, while its many activities provide interest, education and entertainment as well as boosting tea consumption among the general public.
Hong Kong International Tea Fair is organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council with co-organiser the Chinese Tea Culture International Exchange Association. The 2012 fair is just the fourth edition but already this event has developed as a global tea trading hub.
The power of tea
Tea is widely enjoyed the world over in its extraordinary variety of forms. Exhibitors will show tea of many kinds, ranging from the staples which are always in demand to new tea products which will arouse consumers' interest.
For distributors and retailers of tea, the fair promises rich opportunities to compare and contrast, to explore new product possibilities and to establish relationships with quality suppliers.
As the retail scene for tea becomes more creative, buyers can also see a variety of accessories and food products in the Friends of Tea and Tea Ware Zone. Tea packaging & processing equipment, branding & design services as well as tea testing service are other features of the fair.
Deepening tea knowledge
Experienced buyers look, smell, feel and, above all, taste tea. Throughout the fair exhibitors offer Tea-Tasting Sessions with growers or processors on hand to give in-depth information.
Useful knowledge can also be culled from the seminars, forums and workshops which are an important part of the fair. Such events can cover topics from technology to marketing. The fair also brings the opportunity to hear respected speakers, each a leader in the field, at the International Tea Industry Conference.
Broadening the market for tea
The Tea Gallery houses displays of tea ware, publications and videos and it is the venue for International Tea Art Showcase, featuring tea ceremonies from different parts of the world. The last day of the fair is open to public, which introduces consumers to new tastes and experiences, extending their appreciation of tea in all its forms.
Teams from different countries compete for honours in the International KamCha Competition (Hong Kong-style milk tea). This competition, and the International Tea Competition for exhibitors' products, are judged by experts.
Networking opportunities abound at these events and especially at the social activities, such as the Tea Reception. |
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World Essense Holdings Ltd
Product: Essense Jasmine Pearl Tin Can |
Takeda International Trading Limited
Product: Japanese Paper Wrapped
Tea Container |
TEA ART GALLERY
Product: Pu-erh Tea |
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More sourcing in concurrent events
Buyers may well find opportunities in the HKTDC Food Expo and the International Conference and Exhibition of the Modernization of Chinese Medicine & Products (ICMCM). Both these events take place concurrently with the tea fair at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC).
Hong Kong, tea trading centre
Hong Kong has a long history of tea trading. Having no tea production of its own, it is an impartial entity and thus the ideal venue for a tea fair. As a world city, Hong Kong has all the facilities and infrastructure needed for international trading.
Wan Chai, where HKCEC is located, is at the heart of Hong Kong's commercial and entertainment district. Within minutes visitors can access business facilities as well as dining, entertainment and shopping outlets.
Fairground services and facilities
As well as the restaurants, banks and shops located in HKCEC, the fairground itself offers all the conveniences necessary for a comfortable and successful stay. For VIP buyers, the VIP Lounge offers complimentary snacks and beverages in a relaxing environment.
Make the decision today
By pre-registering as a buyer, you will receive your buyer badge by mail, as well as access to the website's free business matching and appointment scheduling with exhibitors. |
Act now for FREE admission!
| For trade visitors, register now for your FREE admission badge through one of the following three channels: |
| Website – register on or before 25 July 2012 for buyers from outside Hong Kong and on or before 9 August 2012 for local buyers; |
| Smartphone Info Site – download HKTDC Mobile at iPhone App Store, BlackBerry App World or Google Play; or |
| Mobile Info Site – visit www.hktdc.com/wap/tea/T111 |
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Hear what the buyers say in 2011 fair
“Tazo is a tea brand within Starbucks. Our teas are prepared for all the 17,000 Starbucks coffee stores worldwide. We also offer localised-type teas to meet the preferences of individual markets such as Japan, Taiwan and the Chinese mainland. Hong Kong International Tea Fair is a good fair. It has a good cross-section of tea traders here. I am visiting the fair to find more Chinese tea suppliers. The fair really provides an opportunity to explore potential business, and I've met some of our existing suppliers from India and the mainland here. I've found a potential supplier of Chinese green tea and it is possible to make some deals between us. It’s been also interesting to have the chance to meet and interact with different international tea players here.”
Keith Hutjens, Director, Tea Procurement, Tazo Tea, USA
“Bell Tea & Coffee Company has a history of over 100 years specialising in tea and coffee businesses. Tea accounts for about 60 per cent of our business and we maintain a 45 per cent share in the New Zealand market. This is the second time we’ve visited the Hong Kong International Tea Fair. I am here looking for black tea, green tea as well as packaging and tea ware. I really enjoy my time here to meet and interact with people in the industry. The fair is well organised and it allows me to learn more about Chinese tea. Through the effective business matching service provided by HKTDC, I’ve identified four potential suppliers from India and the Chinese mainland, and we will consider placing orders for black and green teas with them after the fair.”
Lynne Banks, Sales Director, New Zealand & International, Bell Tea & Coffee Company Ltd, New Zealand
“SCC is a distributor of natural foods and tea products in Malaysia and Singapore. This is my first visit to Hong Kong International Tea Fair as well as Food Expo. It’s great to be able to attend the two fairs at the same time. I am here looking for natural foods and organic tea products. Further discussions will be conducted with several tea exhibitors from Taiwan, Sri Lanka and Hong Kong. I expect to conclude some deals with them. The experience has been incredible here. I will definitely come again next year.”
Joseph Tan, Group Executive Director, SCC Marketing (M) Sdn Bhd, Malaysia |
Special airfare
Cathay Pacific Airways, together with sister airline Dragonair, offer you and your travel companions exclusive airfares in all classes. To take advantage of this offer, please click http://events.cathaypacific.com and input the event access code MICE828 to avail of special fares for you.
Exclusive travel incentives for trade buyers
The HKTDC offers a variety of incentive programmes for trade buyers to the fair that involves exclusively discounted hotel rates and airfares. For further information, please contact HKTDC office nearest to you.
Visa application assistance service
The Immigration Department of Hong Kong has a list of countries/regions whose citizens require a visa to enter Hong Kong. HKTDC can assist your visa application by issuing an official invitation letter. To check out the list and learn more about the requirements and the assistance service, please click here. |
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