Of the 4,747 buyers who went to the fair, 2,828 were from abroad accounting for 60% of total visitors.
Excluding Hong Kong and mainland China, the US was the largest source of delegates, with more than 200 buyers from the country. There were 142 Australian visitors, making it the fourth largest overseas delegate group by country. Other countries with high attendance included Taiwan, Japan, the Philippines, India, France and Italy.
Although the US recorded the highest number of visitors from a single country, European attendees outnumbered those from other territories overall, with 559 delegates amounting to 11.8% of the total at the show.
Exhibitor numbers were up 6.8% to 459 this year and the event attracted participants from 25 countries including Asia, Africa, Europe and North America. United Arab Emirates and Greece were represented at the fair for the first time.
Celine Lau, director of the jewellery fair, believes the fair’s growth is an indicator of improved global trading conditions. “The increase in the number of visitors and exhibitors confirms the ongoing economic recovery,” she said.
Australian jeweller Lynda Cafe of Quality Handmade Jewellery said the breadth and prices on offer at the show were impressive.
“I am looking for new suppliers and new products,” she said. “I’ve placed orders with some of the Chinese exhibitors. This is a huge exhibition with a wide variety of exhibitors and products. The prices are reasonable.”
Nicole Roux, president of French manufacturer Vogler SAS, thought the fair’s central location was a big drawing factor for many retailers.
“We’ve met potential buyers from Singapore, Australia, Spain and Hong Kong. The fair is conveniently located,” she said.
Asia’s Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre between June 24 and 27.