Speaking at the fair’s conclusion, Ms Judy Cheung, Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, said: “This year’s fair highlighted how stationery is merging design and purpose, especially across education, office, and lifestyle settings. Buyers were looking for well-designed items with a personal touch, and exhibitors delivered standout products such as reusable notebooks, illustrated, modular backpacks, and design-forward lunch kits. The strong sourcing confidence from international buyers reinforces the fair’s expanding reach, and its positioning as an exceptional platform for turning ideas into business, especially for brands looking to grow across Asia.”
Design-led stationery with global market appeal
Exhibitors introduced stationery with bold graphics, tactile appeal, and customisable features. Whether shaped, stamped, dual-ended or hand-assembled, these products were designed to connect with a broad range of age groups, retail environments, and cultural tastes.
Among this year’s exhibitors, Mr Donald Chuang, Owner of SabMatt Corporation, showcased custom stamps and certified-safe ink pads in washable, fabric-compatible, and metallic finishes. “As first-time exhibitors, we connected with buyers from the Chinese Mainland, Southeast Asia, and especially India,” he said. “There was strong interest from the education sector, which aligned with our direction. Buyer quality was strong, and the seminars were informative.”
Others observed regional market tastes and trends. “Buyer preferences differ clearly across regions,” said Ms Yokia Yu, Sales Manager at Hangzhou Paper Penguin Culture Co Ltd. “Japanese and Korean customers favoured shaped designs, while European buyers preferred minimalist styles. This feedback will directly inform our future product development and localisation strategy.”
Ms Rachel Barry, Head of Products at Eye Heart Science Pty Ltd in Australia, focused on sourcing safe and engaging supplies for early learning. “It is often hard to find art materials that are both high quality and classroom-ready. The Kids & School Zone offered excellent options, including double-ended metallic pencils and fabric-safe acrylic markers. Meeting suppliers and testing samples was invaluable. We’re now expanding our supplier network for future kits.”
Global reach and growth opportunities
The fair served as a focused hub to forge links with overseas buyers, including wholesalers, distributors, and retail networks – many of which operate across multiple countries and regions, aiding exhibitors’ ambitions for broader reach.
Exhibitor Ms Jeannie Ring, General Manager of Shanghai TianMao Stationery Co Ltd, highlighted the fair’s role in international business growth: “Our brand focuses on art education for all ages, and this platform provides an efficient way to engage with international buyers. We were especially impressed by the European and North American visitors, many of which came with clear objectives and genuine interest. Opportunities like this help us expand globally and strengthen long-term relationships.”
Returning exhibitor, Mr Jorge Pereira, Export Sales Manager at Marshmallow, said the fair remains key to their Asia strategy: “After a great experience last year, we made strong connections again, from small retailers and chains to large wholesalers. The fair helps us meet quality, committed buyers and long-term partners, and we will keep returning to build our international presence.”
On the buyer side, the fair continues to attract new participants seeking functional, appealing products for schools, stores, or e-commerce ventures. First time visitor Ms Liu Tong, Operator of Nanjing Mengniu Education Consulting Co Ltd, is preparing to launch an online store specialising in learning supplies. “We are still in the early planning stage, and looking for fun and practical products for students. We discovered many innovative and handy products, for example, school bags are daily essentials, and since children often want to change styles each semester, we see strong potential in this category.”
Smart tools and education innovation
Stationery supports both creativity and learning, with greater focus on how digital tools and analogue products can complement each other. This focus was reflected in fringe events highlighting classroom needs, practical design, and early childhood engagement.
Mr Gary Li, Founder of ConnecTech Ltd, led a seminar titled focusing on educational innovation. “Sharing ideas with stationery and education professionals was valuable,” he said. “The audience was engaged, with many keen to continue the conversation. As a company focused on connecting people and technology, this kind of dialogue reflects our mission. Compared to online channels, the fair offers a more direct view of real industry needs.”
Dr Michael Mikhael, Chief Executive Officer of MIS Group, attended the same seminar and praised its relevance to early education: “We run schools, daycare, and a consultancy across Lebanon and Dubai, focusing on hands-on development for children under six. We are also exploring digital tools that integrate with our AI-driven systems. The seminar offered valuable insights and a great networking atmosphere.”
Organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the fair was held concurrently with the HKTDC Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair and the Hong Kong Baby Products Fair, providing a one-stop sourcing platform and crossover business opportunities for participants. The next edition will take place from 11 – 14 January 2027.
Press information and photographic material:
https://www.hkstationeryfair.com
Links social media pages:
https://www.facebook.com/hongkongstationeryfair/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/hk-intl-stationery-school-supplies-fair/
Background information on Messe Frankfurt
The Messe Frankfurt Group is the world’s largest trade fair, congress and event organiser with its own exhibition grounds. With a workforce of some 2,700* people at its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main and in 29 subsidiaries, it organises events around the world. Group sales in financial year 2025 were around € 766 million*. We serve our customers’ business interests efficiently within the framework of our Fairs & Events, Locations and Services business fields. One of Messe Frankfurt’s key strengths is its powerful and closely knit global sales network, which covers around 180 countries in all regions of the world. Our comprehensive range of services – both onsite and online – ensures that customers worldwide enjoy consistently high quality and flexibility when planning, organising and running their events. We are using our digital expertise to develop new business models. The wide range of services includes renting exhibition grounds, trade fair construction and marketing, personnel and food services.
Sustainability is a central pillar of our corporate strategy. Here, we strike a healthy balance between ecological and economic interests, social responsibility and diversity.
For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com/sustainability
With its headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, the company is owned by the City of Frankfurt (60 percent) and the State of Hesse (40 percent).
For more information, please visit our website at: www.messefrankfurt.com
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