The recent massive TDC-organised annual Food Expo at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai is an unusual beast, bringing together an eclectic mix of 1,520 stands and 410,000 people over five days. Retail and wholesale suppliers and buyers from all over the world cram in, along with the general public. It’s not for the faint-hearted, with shoppers and trolleys piling into the melee for free samples and discounted food, while the poor trade folks try to do business. The public is supposed to be excluded from the trade floors for the first two days, but determined sample-hunters manage to invade regardless.
Every imaginable food item
The show includes every imaginable kind of packaged, frozen and canned food, along with gourmet items, tea, beer, wine and health products. But does this huge fair really do what it says on the packet? Organiser the TDC were happy, but exhibitor views were mixed. When it came to trends, the TDC noted that the popularity of high-end food, such as Spanish Iberico ham, was soaring locally, mirrored by the expanding Gourmet Zone, health food products and some new crossover items.
Gourmet hall exhibitor Silvain Mattras from Maison Argaud was very happy with the response to his French duck foie gras and pates. But Shirley Man, promoting wine and fine food, had some objective comments. Her business, Headtable Company in Wan Chai, came to the Expo for brand-building and exposure for her shop. Her expectations were met: “seven out of 10.” Her target was reached, with relatively higher volume of business within a short period of time. But she expected customers with deeper pockets at the gourmet hall. “Customers were rather cautious when it came to spending on gourmet food, or simply came for free food tasting.”
When it came to serious buyer interest, she was disappointed. “It could be because the general public are willing to compromise food quality with the increased food cost. People are less eager to spend on good quality and high priced items. As a result, food with artificial ingredients and imitated food at lower price could be more appealing to them.”
Fro next year, she urges the TDC to invite professionals with higher spending power and corporate clients. She also wants them to spruce up the celebrity chef demonstrations, promoting them with digital displays at the entrances.