Solid Growth in Mature Markets; High Potential in Emerging-Markets
8 November 2015 – The 23rd Hong Kong Optical Fair, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association, ended its three-day run (4-6 November) on Friday. A record of more than 14,700 buyers from 99 countries and regions took part in the fair, a close to five per cent increase from the previous year. Buyer numbers from a variety of emerging markets grew significantly, including the Middle East, Thailand and Indonesia. Buyers from mature markets such as France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan, Korea and Taiwan also increased.
“The growth in total attendance shows that the Hong Kong Optical Fair is a major sourcing platform for the industry,” said HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau. “The trading atmosphere was very good at the fairground, and buyers were eager to find the latest eyewear designs, products and equipment.”
Fair draws global buying missions
To create more business opportunities for exhibitors, the HKTDC organised more than 70 buying missions from 47 countries and regions to visit the fair. Participants included Argentina’s Vision Planet SRL, the Chinese mainland’s Amazon (China) Investment Co. Ltd, the Czech Republic’s Fokus Optik A.S., Kazakhstan’s Dega Plus Company, Korea’s CED International, Spain’s Athletic Sport Group (GRUPO ILLICE), Taiwan’s AD Global Co. Ltd, Turkey’s Kuz Optik and Majestic Optics Co. from the UAE.
Deals concluded onsite
Japan-based exhibitor Hug Ozawa had chosen to launch its Skins eyewear collection in Hong Kong because the Hong Kong Optical Fair is a meeting point for global eyewear trading. The company’s Overseas Division – Division Manager, Toshi Tsukada, said he had brought the Ultem Collection to the fair. The frame collection was very popular in Southeast Asia because it is ultra-light, elastic, tough and heat-resistant. The company secured two distributors from Indonesia and the Philippines.
Another first-time buyer at the fair was Chilean eyewear chain store, Opticas Moneda Rotter. Juan Pablo Cremaschi, the company’s General Manager, found four new suppliers from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan at the fair and placed total orders worth US$50,000. Mr Cremaschi said he really liked sourcing in Hong Kong because the Hong Kong Optical Fair was an international show with many exhibitors and new designs from all over the world.
Focus on tech in eyewear at Brand Name Gallery
This year’s Brand Name Gallery featured 220 brands and designer collections from around the world, setting a new record. A diverse range of products were showcased, with a focus on innovative eyewear built with the latest technology.
3D printed manufacturing is becoming a trend in the optical industry. Hong Kong exhibitor Chang’s Optical Asia Limited is an eyewear distributor that represents eight leading designer brands in the Greater China market, including ic! berlin, DITA and Ørgreen. To cater to the growing market trend, the company launched a series of 3D printed vintage frames made from natural materials such as wood, stone and cow horns. Mabel Sze, the company’s PR & Marketing Manager, said: “Showcasing our latest designs at the Brand Name Gallery, where international brands converge, is effective for promoting business exchanges and introducing our products to global buyers. The buyers’ responses to our products have been very strong this year.”
Smart glasses are gaining popularity in many markets worldwide. At last year’s Optical Fair, Rochester Optical from the United States presented in Hong Kong for the first time its latest Smart Gold lenses, which provide greater visual clarity for smart glasses users. Hong Kong Optical Lens Company Ltd immediately saw the market potential of Smart Gold lenses and signed a partnership agreement with Rochester Optical to distribute these lenses to markets worldwide, except the US. Ivan Cheng, Business Development Officer, said the company promoted its Smart Gold lenses at the fair this year and attracted a high degree of interest from international buyers, including those from Australia, Europe, India, South America and Southeast Asia. Some buyers have already placed sample orders.
Showcase for eyewear trends
First-time Spanish buyer, D. Franklin, came to Hong Kong looking to source new products. With the help of the HKTDC’s business-matching team, the company successfully found new suppliers from the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong and has been discussing business co-operation. The company’s Founder & CEO, Daniel Franklin Esquitino, said, “European consumers like full-frame, round-shaped sunglasses with mirror glasses. We have found what we want at the Hong Kong Optical Fair.”
CED International is the exclusive distributor of seven international brands in Korea. The company was visiting the Optical Fair for the third time. Dean J. Kim, Marketing Director, said the market favoured optical frames that use a mix of materials like acetate and metals. Mr Kim expected aviation glasses and metal frames with gold- or silver-plating would gain popularity next year. He said his goal at the Optical Fair was to find new products to capture upcoming business opportunities.
During the fair, the HKTDC organised a number of activities to facilitate trading, including eyewear parades, buyer forums, seminars and networking receptions. The 13th Hong Kong Optometric Conference was also held on 5 and 6 November, with the theme “Update on Anterior Ocular Disorders and Dry Eye Syndrome”.
Fair Website: www.hkopticalfair.com/en
About HKTDC
A statutory body established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and service providers. With more than 40 global offices, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and throughout Asia. The HKTDC also organises trade fairs and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in overseas markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and online. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com.