HOFEX

Brief Introduction of HOFEX

HOFEX 2025 is Asia-Pacific's leading food and hospitality trade exhibition, uniting 30,000+ industry professionals from the global food service and hospitality sectors. This four-day biennial event showcases 2,000+ exhibitors from over 40 countries. The show serves as the essential marketplace where buyers can discover innovative products, establish connections, and explore industry trends. With Hong Kong's position as Asia's culinary capital and trading hub, HOFEX provides access to the Asia-Pacific food and hospitality market, projected to reach $3.1 trillion by 2026. The exhibition combines product displays, culinary competitions, industry seminars, and networking events, emphasizing innovation and the evolution of the hospitality industry.

Brief History of HOFEX

Established in 1987 as Hong Kong's first dedicated food and hospitality exhibition with around 100 exhibitors, HOFEX has grown significantly over decades. Throughout the 1990s, it expanded its international presence, drawing exhibitors from Europe, North America, and Asia. By 1997, the exhibition had grown to 500+ exhibitors and began attracting significant attendance from mainland China. In 2003, HOFEX adopted its biennial format, alternating with Restaurant & Bar Hong Kong. By 2011, it had expanded to multiple halls at the HKCEC with 1,500+ exhibitors and 40,000 visitors. During the pandemic in 2021, HOFEX successfully pivoted to a hybrid format. The 2023 edition marked its 35th anniversary with expanded focus on sustainability and technology integration. Throughout its history, HOFEX has evolved from a local event to become the premier international food and hospitality exhibition in the Asia-Pacific region.

Event Date

May 6-9, 2025 (Tuesday through Friday)

Tuesday, May 6:

9:30 AM - 5:30 PM: Exhibition Open

10:00 AM: Opening Ceremony

10:30 AM - 4:30 PM: Industry Seminars

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Culinary Demonstrations

Wednesday, May 7 - Thursday, May 8:

9:30 AM - 5:30 PM: Exhibition Open

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM: Culinary Competitions

10:30 AM - 4:30 PM: Industry Seminars

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Specialized Forums

Friday, May 9:

9:30 AM - 5:00 PM: Exhibition Open

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Culinary Competitions Finals

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Awards Ceremony

Event Location

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)

1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai

Hong Kong SAR, China

Key features:

66,000 square meters of exhibition space

5 exhibition halls utilized for HOFEX

Multiple meeting rooms and conference facilities

High-speed Wi-Fi throughout

Dedicated VIP lounges

Accessibility:

40 minutes from Hong Kong International Airport

Connected to MTR Wan Chai Station (5-minute walk)

Adjacent to Star Ferry terminal

Central location in Hong Kong's business district

Product Focus

Food & Beverage Products:

Fine foods and gourmet specialties

Meat, seafood, and poultry

Dairy and cheese products

Bakery and confectionery

Frozen and convenience foods

Organic and health foods

Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)

Asian ingredients and specialties

Food Service Equipment:

Commercial kitchen equipment

Refrigeration and cold storage

Food preparation machinery

Tableware and serving equipment

Bar and beverage equipment

Hospitality Solutions:

Hotel supplies and amenities

Restaurant furnishings

Cleaning and sanitation systems

POS and management systems

Sustainable hospitality solutions

Specialized Zones:

Wine & Spirits

Coffee & Tea

Bakery & Pastry

Food Service Equipment

Hospitality Technology

Event Organizer

HOFEX is organized by Informa Markets, one of the world's leading exhibition organizers, in partnership with:

Hong Kong Exhibition Services Ltd (HKES):

A subsidiary of Informa Markets specializing in trade exhibitions in Hong Kong and Greater China.

Hong Kong Tourism Board:

Providing support for international visitor promotion.

Hong Kong Food Council:

Offering industry expertise and connections to local food producers.

Informa Markets' global network enables HOFEX to attract international exhibitors and visitors, while their local expertise ensures strong regional participation and relevance to the Asia-Pacific market.

Target Audience/Best For

Primary Attendees:

Hotel and resort procurement managers

Restaurant owners and F&B directors

Catering company executives

Importers and distributors

Supermarket and retail chain buyers

Bakery and café owners

Institutional food service providers

Chefs and culinary professionals

Geographic Distribution:

Hong Kong SAR (35%)

Mainland China (25%)

Other Asia-Pacific (20%)

Europe, Americas, Middle East (20%)

The show is particularly valuable for international suppliers seeking Asian distribution and Asian hospitality groups sourcing global products.

Key Features

Exhibition Halls: 5 themed halls with dedicated national and regional pavilions.

Hong Kong International Culinary Classic: Competition featuring 800+ professional chefs across multiple categories.

HOFEX Conference: Industry experts discussing market trends, sustainability, and innovation.

Hospitality Innovation Zone: Showcase of emerging technologies and sustainable solutions.

Wine & Spirits Corner: Dedicated area with guided tastings and masterclasses.

ProWine Asia @ HOFEX: Specialized wine and spirits trade fair within HOFEX.

International Hosted Buyer Program: Pre-qualified buyers participate in scheduled appointments with exhibitors.

Chef Masterclass Theater: Live cooking demonstrations by renowned chefs.

HOFEX Innovation Awards: Recognition of outstanding products across multiple categories.

Accommodation/Hotel

Near HKCEC:

Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel (connected to HKCEC)

Grand Hyatt Hong Kong (5-star, 5-minute walk)

The Harbourview (4-star, 5-minute walk)

Central/Admiralty Area:

JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong (5-star)

Conrad Hong Kong (5-star)

Causeway Bay Area:

Crowne Plaza Hong Kong Causeway Bay (4-star)

The Park Lane Hong Kong (5-star)

The official accommodation service opens November 2024, offering negotiated rates with complimentary shuttle service. Early booking recommended as Hong Kong hotels frequently reach capacity during major trade shows.

Why Attend HOFEX?

Access 2,000+ exhibitors from 40+ countries in a single location

Discover new products and innovations from across the global hospitality industry

Participate in pre-scheduled meetings with qualified suppliers

Gain insights into Asian hospitality trends

Network with 30,000+ food and hospitality professionals

Explore export/import opportunities in the Asia-Pacific market

Witness world-class culinary competitions

Learn about hospitality technology innovations

Establish direct relationships with producers and manufacturers

Find new distribution channels for your products in Asia

Register for HOFEX

Registration opens December 2024:

Registration Categories:

Trade Visitor: HKD 100 (early bird) / HKD 200 (standard)

International Hosted Buyer: Complimentary (application required)

Conference Delegate: HKD 1,200 (early bird) / HKD 1,800 (standard)

Registration Periods:

Early Bird: December 1, 2024 - February 28, 2025

Standard: March 1 - May 5, 2025

Onsite: May 6-9, 2025

Trade visitor registration includes access to exhibition halls and demonstration areas. Hosted buyer packages include accommodation, airport transfers, and business matching services.

Global Sources Trade Shows: Expanding Your Asian Sourcing Network

While HOFEX focuses on finished food products and hospitality equipment, Global Sources exhibitions in Hong Kong provide access to manufacturing partners for food packaging, hotel supplies, and kitchen equipment. Their shows feature verified manufacturers of packaging materials, hotel amenities, and food service equipment that support hospitality operations. For professionals attending HOFEX, Global Sources events offer connections to manufacturing partners who can produce customized packaging, promotional items, and branded hospitality supplies.

FAQs

Q: Who can attend HOFEX?

A: HOFEX is a trade-only event open to professionals in the food, beverage, hospitality, and related industries.

Q: How can I apply for the hosted buyer program?

A: Applications open December 2024 through the show website. Applicants must demonstrate significant purchasing authority.

Q: What is the official language of the show?

A: English and Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), with most international exhibitors offering English-speaking staff.

Q: How can suppliers exhibit at the show?

A: Contact the sales team through the show website for stand options and pricing.

Q: What documentation do international visitors need?

A: Passport valid for six months. Many countries receive visa-free entry to Hong Kong for business visits.

Q: Can I sample the food products?

A: Yes, most food and beverage exhibitors offer product sampling throughout the show.

Q: Are translation services available?

A: Yes, for major languages, with pre-booking recommended for business meetings.