Australia’s premium food and beverages a hit at HOFEX

Australia’s high-quality food and beverages stole the show at HOFEX, one of Asia’s leading food and hospitality tradeshows.

This year's event in Hong Kong showcased more than 50 exhibitors from across New South Wales, Queensland, Western Australia and Tasmania.

The Australian Pavilion featured premium meats, seafood, packaged foods, and fine wines and spirits, reflecting the diversity of Australian produce.

‘Hong Kong is Australia’s sixth-largest food export destination,’ says Liu Bing, Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner, Austrade Hong Kong. ‘It’s no secret that consumers in Hong Kong love fine food and drink. Australia is known as a reliable, top-quality supplier and our products are always welcomed here.’

Australian meats on the menu

Australian meat was among the many Australian products attracting attention at HOFEX. Australia was the top exporter of chilled beef and chilled and frozen lamb to Hong Kong in 2024, highlighting the high demand for our premium meat products.

At HOFEX, Australian beef producers such as Elbow Valley Beef were warmly received. Sir Harry Wagyu, an Elbow Valley Beef brand, was a standout. The cattle are fed orange pulp otherwise destined for landfill, not only leading to beef with a unique rich flavour but reducing food waste.

Hong Kong is a comparatively small but high-value market for premium Australian beef. Demand is growing as an increasing number of young consumers prioritise high-quality protein in their daily diets to maintain better health. Pre-cooked meals have also become popular among consumers due to their time-saving convenience and variety of flavours.

The Australian Pavilion featured a diverse range of premium food and beverages

Aussie seafood the catch of the day

Australian seafood was also a hit at HOFEX. Hong Kong is one of Asia’s top seafood importers. It’s estimated that consumers eat approximately 65 kilograms of seafood per person every year. Australia was the third largest exporter of seafood to Hong Kong in 2024, with the value of exports growing by 9%.

Premium seafood, such as rock lobsters, tiger prawns and abalone, is highly popular. At HOFEX, Austral, Rare Foods Australia, Sea Harvest Trading, McBoats Seafoods and Westmore Seafoods attracted plenty of interest for their fresh, high-quality products.

There is growing interest in traceable and sustainable seafood. Many foodservice customers and hotels in Hong Kong are keen to procure products with these credentials.

Hong Kong is looking to expand its range of seafood, so there is room to introduce less common but high-value products. The demand for pre-cooked or ready-to-eat seafood products such as marinated products or pre-cooked lobster is also growing.

Austrade assistance makes the difference

Austrade supported Australian exporters prior to and during the event.

‘We see HOFEX Hong Kong as an excellent opportunity to gain market entry,’ says Leigh Taylor, Sales & Marketing Manager, The House of Honey. ‘The Austrade team has been instrumental in providing guidance, support and opportunities. They have created chances to meet potential customers and buyers in Hong Kong.’

‘We had a great customer meeting experience at HOFEX 2025,’ adds Katherine Kwee from Keto Kitchen Corner. ‘Austrade's Hong Kong staff have been very helpful in providing market insights and customer introductions.’

Next stop: Asia Fruit Logistica 2025

Austrade will have a presence at Asia Fruit Logistica (3–5 September 2025) in Hong Kong. Please contact Austrade for more information.