The 52nd HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair, 17th HKTDC Hong Kong Baby Products Fair, and 24th Hong Kong International Stationery & School Supplies Fair concluded at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, attracting approximately 82,000 buyers from 121 countries and regions. The four-day physical fairs, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and jointly with Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd for the stationery fair, fostered cross-regional trade and cross-section cooperation.
The newly launched 'Pop & Play' pavilion at the Toys & Games Fair proved highly popular, attracting around 10,000 public visits while serving as a bridge for local toy brands to connect with global buyers. This integration of B2C elements with traditional B2B exhibitions created an energetic atmosphere that facilitated collaborations. Hong Kong exhibitor Matrix Promotion showcased 11 original local IPs and reported establishing around 50 local business contacts through the event. Founder and CEO Ray Leung noted these contacts included not only toy industry buyers but also opportunities with theme parks, loyalty programs, digital commerce platforms, and finance and insurance companies, reflecting a major market trend toward designing exclusive premium items based on client IPs.
Onsite sales demonstrated the commercial viability of this approach. The IP character B.Duck reported connecting with 30 potential clients from countries including Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Dubai, Russia, and North America, with participation expected to contribute around 10% of their annual business growth. The fairs operated under the HKTDC's hybrid EXHIBITION+ model, combining physical shows with online access through the Click2Match smart business matching platform, which continued connecting exhibitors and buyers beyond the physical event.
Artificial intelligence emerged as a significant trend, with exhibitor Eastcolight (Hong Kong) Limited showcasing self-developed AI interactive story machines. Co-founder Salley Sze stated that AI products alone are expected to generate at least US$1 million in annual sales through the fair, while other STEM product lines are projected to achieve US$2 million in sales. This reflects the growing integration of technology into traditional product categories.
Sustainability remained a key focus across the fairs, with over 400 exhibitors displaying the Green Solutions green leaf label—double the number compared to 2024. Sandra Lopez Herrero, Sourcing Manager CMC at DeAgostini Collectibles from Spain, noted particular interest in sustainable design, specifically battery-free, hydraulic-powered eco-friendly toys from a Chinese Mainland supplier, with plans to place an order worth approximately US$1 million. The green leaf label, along with the Click2Match and Scan2Match platforms, helped buyers track products and stay updated on emerging trends.
The Baby Products Fair saw expansion in the World of Strollers and Gear and ODM Strollers and Gear zones, hosting approximately 230 exhibitors with increased exhibitor numbers and fair areas compared to the previous year. European exhibitors recognized Hong Kong's role as an international trade hub, with Swedish company AXKID reporting a €1.7 million order for 2,000 child safety seats from a Bulgarian client met during the fair.
The Stationery & School Supplies Fair welcomed first-time exhibitor Blaxall Optics Low Vision Limited from New Zealand, whose director Gang Cheng anticipated contacts made through the physical fair and Click2Match platform would bring at least 5% annual business growth, equivalent to US$100,000 in orders. The concurrent Asian Toys & Games Forum, themed 'Empowering the Toy Industry for Global Success,' provided industry insights from experts including representatives from Euromonitor International and The Walt Disney Company.
HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Jenny Koo emphasized that the fair can amplify IP value through cultural integration, brand collaborations, and market strategies, helping local brands expand beyond Hong Kong onto the international stage. The events demonstrated Hong Kong's continued relevance as a global trade platform while highlighting evolving industry trends toward technology integration, sustainability, and cross-sector collaboration.
