Gift Focus - Jul/Aug 2018 (Issue 108)

The 33 rd Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The concurrent 13 th Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair, jointly organised by the HKTDC and CIEC Exhibition Company (HK) Ltd, took place at AsiaWorld-Expo. The four-day twin fairs together attracted more than 64,000 buyers from 145 countries and regions, up 3.5 per cent on last year. Among emerging markets, Russia, India, the Chinese mainland and Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) saw notable growth in buyer attendance, while many traditional markets, including France, South Korea, Canada, Germany and the U.S. also recorded double- digit percentage increases. Some 48,000 buyers attended the Gifts & Premium Fair, while close to 16,000 buyers visited the Printing & Packaging Fair. “In the face of fast-changing consumer demands, businesses with a good grasp of market trends will have an advantage,” said HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau. “Therefore, we commissioned an independent on-site survey at the Gifts & Premium Fair once again to gauge participants’ views on market prospects and product trends. The survey found that the gifts and premium industry is optimistic about the market this year – and more so than it was last year.” Of about 940 exhibitors and buyers polled, 93 per cent expected overall sales of their businesses to remain steady or improve this year. The proportion of respondents who expected increased sales was up 11 percentage points over last year. About 60 per cent of respondents expect production or sourcing costs to increase. More than half of respondents, however, did not expect to raise FOB selling prices or retail prices, suggesting that they will not transfer the increased cost to customers. “Among major export markets, most of the respondents (70 per cent) see Western Europe as having the best prospects in the next two years, followed by the Chinese mainland (64 per cent), Japan (63 per cent), North America (56 per cent), Hong Kong (56 per cent) and ASEAN countries (55 per cent),” explained Mr Chau. “We encourage industry players to capitalise on the opportunities available in these markets.” The survey also analysed product trends in the gifts and premiummarket. Thirteen per cent of respondents expect advertising gifts and premiums to have the strongest growth potential this year, followed by tech gifts (11 per cent), figurines and decorations (10 per cent) and toys and sporting goods (nine per cent). Show highlights The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair welcomed 4,360 local and overseas exhibitors from 35 countries and regions, making it the world’s largest trade fair of its kind and an ideal platform for companies to present their new products. The highlight zone, the Hall of Fine Designs, attracted more than 130 renowned brands, including Italian brand Pininfarina, a first-time exhibitor that showcased an innovative patented inkless pen, which was well-received by buyers. In response to the latest product trends, the World of Camping & Outdoor Goods was launched at the fair, featuring more than 90 exhibitors from around the world. A number of other thematic zones were set up to facilitate marketing and sourcing, including the World of Gift Ideas, Licensed Gifts, Travel Goods & Umbrellas, Startup Zone and Tech Gifts. New products showcased at the Printing & Packaging Fair The Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair featured more than 480 exhibitors from six countries and regions, showcasing a broad spectrum of printing and packaging solutions. Highlights included the De Luxe Zone, which featured value-adding and high-end packaging solutions for various industries, helping businesses sharpen their competitive edge. Catering to the needs of different industries, the fair comprised the Innovative Retail Display Solutions, Green Printing & Packaging Solutions, Digital Printing & 3D Printing and Food & Beverage Packaging Solutions zones. GIFTS & PREMIUM FAIR AND PRINTING FAIR DRAW 64,000+ BUYERS The 33 rd Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair closed its doors in April after a very successful show For further information about the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair visit hktdc.com/ hkgiftspremiumfair/ 140 giftfocus