The 19th Annual General Meeting of the Hong Kong Health Food Association

The 19th Annual General Meeting of the Hong Kong Health Food Association

The 19th Annual General Meeting of the Hong Kong Health Food Association was successfully held on November 19, 2024. President Mr. Ryan Tse, Vice President Ms. Vivien Chou, Mr. Terry Chiu, Ms. Nicole Leung, Treasurer Ms. Mandy Wong, Honorary Legal Advisor Lawyer Mr. Jesse Kwok, council members and members attended the meeting. The President, Chairmans of External Affairs, Internal Affairs, Strategic & Regulatory Committee and the Treasurer presented their annual reports and financial reports respectively, which were approved at the meeting.

The president summarized the association’s operations over the past year. Firstly, Hong Kong’s health food industry is facing opportunities for expansion and transformation. With the aging population and increasing health awareness among consumers, the demand for health products continues to rise, especially nutritional supplements and functional foods. According to the results of the Hong Kong Health Food Market Survey in 2024, about 23% of respondents said they bought more health products after the Covid-19 epidemic, showing people’s high attention to health products. It is estimated that the total expenditure on national health food will reach HK$18.5 billion in 2024, showing the huge market potential.

In addition, Hong Kong’s retail environment has changed significantly due to the rise of e-commerce and changes in consumer preferences. In particular, the COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the trend of online shopping, forcing retailers to adopt innovative strategies to remain competitive. However, consumer concerns over food safety are also on the rise, with investigations by the Consumer Council prompting the industry to improve the quality and safety of its products.

To address these challenges, the Association is actively seeking government funding schemes, especially support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and is working with the Hong Kong Productivity Council to promote relevant funding schemes. In addition, the association is communicating with relevant government departments and industry representatives to reflect the industry’s concerns and explore how to strengthen policy support for the health food industry.

In terms of raising industry visibility, the association has been awarded the “Caring Organisation” logo by The Hong Kong Council of Social Service and will work with the Joyful (Mental Health) Foundation to promote mental health awareness. The association also plans to participate in various exhibitions and events to enhance public awareness of health foods and strengthen ties with the industry.

The association’s membership has grown by 25% since January 2024, demonstrating its influence and appeal within the industry. In the future, the association will continue to hold various activities to promote interaction among members and will be committed to innovation and high-quality development to meet the growing health needs of consumers.

Looking to the future, Hong Kong’s health food industry faces both challenges and opportunities. Adapting to market trends, undergoing digital transformation, and upholding quality and ethical commitment will be the keys to continued growth. As the Hong Kong Health Food Association is about to celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Association plans to hold a celebration event to commemorate this important milestone and look forward to future development potential.