With over 4,300 exhibitors from 31 countries and regions, the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair is the world’s largest gift fair. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Hong Kong Exporters’ Association (HKEA), it will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 27 to 30 April.
We got the scoop on four zones you can’t miss if you’re attending.
1. Startup zone
Showcasing young entrepreneurs, the inaugural Startup zone is where you’ll spot up-and-coming brands from Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. These include Hong Kong brand Anouk, which specialises in home fragrance, along with Taiwanese paper lamp shade brand Mr Sheep.
Yide Yang, Mr Sheep designer, is definitely one to watch. He won a Red Dot design award last year and will show off his fabulous paper creations that fuse paper weaving and digital manufacturing at the fair.
2. Hall of Fine Designs
Tech products are a big feature of this year’s HK Gifts & Premium show, as more giftware manufacturers experiment with adding tech features to their products. This includes Italian stationery brand Moleskine, which you’ll find in the fair’s Hall of Fine Designs. The company will unveil its innovative Smart Writing Set with smart pen and app—these work in tandem to digitise paper notes and sketches.
3. Licensed Gifts zone
The internet and social media means there is more potential than ever for characters to gain popularity across the globe, creating exciting licensing opportunities. Reflecting this, a Licensed Gifts zone will make its debut at the fair with products from Disney, Cottex and local brand Big Horn.
If you can’t get enough of licensed gifts, be sure to check out Hong Kong exhibitor I-Smart International Limited. The company has worked with Disney to produce a special ‘Beauty and the Beast’ glass dome Bluetooth speaker, complete with preserved rose.
4. Hong Kong Exporters’ Association pavilion
The HKEA has established a pavilion to showcase over 170 Hong Kong exporters. It will include three major zones: the Isle of Originality; Brand Oasis; and Smart Design Village, to promote exquisite local designs and original brands.
Also be sure to check out the winning pieces from the Hong Kong Smart Design Awards 2017, which will be on display during the fair. The awards are organised by the HKEA to nurture local talent and encourage designers to bring their creations to market.
By Ruth Cooper
