HKTDC twin jewellery shows attract exhibitors and buyers from 130 countries and regions, delivering robust results

First major trade fair since re-opening signals Hong Kong comeback

HONG KONG, Mar 5, 2023 - (ACN Newswire) - Following Hong Kong's lifting of the mandatory mask mandate and full resumption of travel, business people from around the world flocked to the city's first major trade fair. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 39th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and the 9th HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show gathered over 2,500 exhibitors and successfully concluded today. The five-day fairs attracted over 60,000 buyers from 130 countries and regions, with significant increase in participation from Mainland China and the Asia region. In an on-site survey with around 700 exhibitors and buyers, about 60% exhibitors and buyers expected their business to return to pre-pandemic levels in one year, reflecting a positive outlook for the jewellery sector.

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 39th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show and 9th HKTDC Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show concluded successfully.

Sophia Chong, the Deputy Executive Director at the HKTDC said that she was delighted by the overwhelming support received from both industry buyers and exhibitors for the twin show. The bustling atmosphere, packed booths, and busy traffic not only showed the strength of the global jewellery market after three years, but also confirmed Hong Kong's status as Asia's leading trade fair capital. This allows the world to come together to do business and build relationships.

"Looking ahead, we have many more trade events lined up for different sectors throughout the rest of the year, and with the policy support from the Hong Kong SAR Government, we are confident that trade fairs and conferences will help to re-energise the city's economic recovery," Ms Chong added.

Under HKTDC's EXHIBITION+ hybrid model, global jewellers and traders can connect online for another week beyond the physical fair days until 12 March via the Click2Match smart business matching platform. Over 1,800 meetings between exhibitors and buyers have been scheduled.

Positive outlook with 60% exhibitors and buyers predicting uptick in sales this year

In a survey conducted on-site by the HKTDC, some key findings include:

• The following countries are expected to see a positive outlook on the growth prospects for jewellery products in their target markets over the next two year: Mainland China (78%), Hong Kong (71%), ASEAN (64%), Northern & Western Europe (58%), North America (55%).

Challenges: fluctuations of the global economy (51%) and impact of inflation (46%) as well as fluctuating exchange rate (35%) were seen as key challenges.

Product trends:

• Karat white gold and Karat yellow gold are expected to be the most popular metal product in 2023;
• Diamond will be the most in-demand gemstone;
• Social media, e-commerce and big data will have the greatest impact on the jewellery industry in the next three years.

HK$100 million sales recorded by some exhibitors

The shows saw strong business results, as well as a high number of buyers and exhibitors. Exhibitor Bruno Scarselli from the United States and Davide Scarselli, co-owners of Scarselli Diamonds Inc., shared their thoughts: "The twin shows have made a strong comeback. The mood is upbeat after the pandemic and buyers are eager to purchase. Many buyers are interested in our pink and blue diamonds from Europe, Japan and Korea as well as Mainland China, Mainland China, and the Middle East. 12 buyers, six of them from Mainland China have already placed orders on-site for fancy colour diamonds in the amount of US$11-12million.

Hong Kong exhibitor Imran Khan, Director of Sparkle Gems Global Inc, said: "We first joined the HKTDC show 12 years ago because it is the best platform for suppliers from all over the world to promote their raw materials to international buyers. We are showcasing emeralds and tanzanites, with prices ranging from US$50 to US$10,000. We met 10 buyers from Europe, Mainland China and the US who placed on-site orders for our emeralds worth a total of US$1 million on the first day. We expect our on-site orders we receive at the show to amount to US$3 million."

Zhuji City from Zhejiang Province, Mainland China made their debut at the show. Chen Wenjin, Deputy Mayor of Zhuji City said: "A total of 49 Zhuji companies have gathered at our pavilion and we also organised a delegation from 300 companies to source at the shows. The show is an excellent platform for our pearl companies to connect with overseas buyers. We expect total sales of over RMB100 million."

One of the exhibitors, Tota Koyama, Chairman of the Japan Jewellery Association said: "Now that travel restrictions have been removed, Japanese jewellery companies are very happy to come to Hong Kong. We've brought 86 jewellery companies from Japan to participate in the Jewellery Show, and 69 companies in the pearl business to join the Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show. The response from buyers is better than expected and we've recorded very good sales. The purchasing interest is particularly strong from Mainland Chinese buyers."

A jewellery buyer, David Abraha from the United States said: "The Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl provides an important platform for me to meet suppliers from worldwide at one place. I always come here to connect with new suppliers. At this year's show, I have found suppliers of loose diamonds from Belgium, Israel and Hong Kong. My budget is up to US$5 million."

Qian Yiting from Mainland China, chief operating officer of Wuxi Yinlou said that the show had made a strong comeback with the relaxed pandemic policies. While I have been to jewellery fairs in Japan, Korea and Australia, the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show has stood out as the best because it showcases a wide range of jewelry from around the globe. Through the Click2Match business matching program, I've already met six exhibitors from Hong Kong and Japan.

More major fairs for technology and lifestyle sectors

On the heels of these two exhibitions, the HKTDC will organise a series of trade fairs in April, including InnoEx, Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition) and Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Spring Edition) on 12-15 April; Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair, Fashion InStyle, Home InStyle and more on 19-22 April. These events will provide buyers with a unique one-stop souring experience and help exhibitors expand their market reach, while boosting Hong Kong's economy.

Websites:

• Hong Kong International Jewellery Show: URL
• Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show: URL
• HKTDC Media Room: URL
• Photo download: URL

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: URL. Follow us on Twitter URL and LinkedIn.

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