The second edition of the Hong Kong International Baking Expo wrapped up on December 7, attracting more than 15,000 buyers from 25 different countries, including Australia.

With exhibitors representing a wide range of bakery-related businesses, including those affiliated with coffee, chocolate, cafés, hotels, department stores, catering and machinery, visitors were given the unique opportunity to connect with international suppliers face-to-face.

A number of events ran parallel to the show, including competitions, seminars, sugar-art workshops and themed baking displays.

The Asia-Pacific region is among the fastest-growing regions for baked goods globally. According to the Euromonitor International’s Food Industry Analyst, the region – led by China – will potentially account for 18 per cent of the world’s bakery productions in 2017 and be worth up to $68 billion.

“Many of the participants have successfully approached mainland Chinese and South-East Asian markets through contacts made at the Hong Kong International Baking Expo in 2012,” a spokesperson for the show said.