Over 2,300 companies from 36 countries and regions converged in Hong Kong to showcase high-end houseware products at the Hong Kong Houseware Fair, which was held from April 21 to April 24 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of the Fair Organising Committee, Mr. Jeffrey Lam, said Hong Kong's role in the vibrant houseware industry continues to prosper. 'We continue to emphasize original design and creative thinking with many companies launching their own brands and others providing premium design services to international clients,' said Mr. Lam. Hong Kong's Houseware exports to the world totaled US $22 billion in 2005. Major markets include the US, the Chinese mainland, Japan, Germany and the UK.

This year the fair has expanded its scale and product variety to meet the growing demand of high-end houseware products. Upmarket collections with unique designs from 27 exhibitors were on show at the Hall of Elegance. The sophisticated setting at the Hall highlighted the brand images of exhibitors from Hong Kong, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Spain, UAE, Chinese mainland and Taiwan.
The Central Display Area at Atrium One was dedicated to displaying the best and finest Hong Kong houseware products. The theme of the display was "Hong Kong - Where Good Ideas Turn to Reality". Products were lined up under four themes, namely True Blue, Innocent Pleasures, Natural World and Tradition of Luxury.

Other exhibit categories included small electrical appliances, kitchenware and gadgets, health & personal care items, hardware & DIY products, artificial flowers, bathroom accessories, cleaning & supplies, furniture, home decorations, household textile, lighting etc.
TDC has organized 70 buying missions to Hong Kong. About 1,500 companies or 2,600 VIP buyers from 31 countries and regions were invited to visit the Hong Kong Houseware fair. These included Sharper Image, Sur La Table, National Wholesale Liquidator and Z Gallerie from the US, Cantire in Canada, Metro from Germany, Red Cats from France, General Trade Spa from Italy, Jumbo SA from Greece, Nitori, Imamu Corp and Entrex from Japan. Mainland buying offices for Walmart, Carrefour, B&Q, Home Depot, as well as major chain stores and online shops have sent representatives to the fair.

Industry experts shared their insight on "Colour & Home Decoration Trends" and "Keys to Enhancing Product Competitiveness through an Effective Quality Management System"
The show organizer TDC has commissioned Oracle Added Value to interview a total of 415 exhibitors and 706 buyers. Over two-third of buyers interviewed at the fair said environmental protection had become a key concern in sourcing. 74% of the interviewees - around 10% more than last year - said they would source more green products in the next three years. On average, 38% of the houseware items sourced were green products. However, nearly 40% of the interviewed buyers said they still found it difficult to source green products in the Asia Pacific region. According to interviewed buyers, green products refer to those that use environmentally friendly packaging, recycled materials, lead-free and halogen-free materials and are efficient in energy consumption.