No tasting is allowed at the Food Expo to open next Thursday

There will be no tasting at the Food Expo to open at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre next Thursday (August 12), but 30,000 free tickets will be given out to those who have received at least one Covid-19 vaccine jab. 

Due to the pandemic, organizer Trade Development Council said that no food and drink, including sample tasting, is allowed at the fairground.
The Expo will run for five days from next Thursday, along with the International Wine & Spirits Fair and the International Tea Fair. 

HKTDC deputy executive director Benjamin Chau Kai-leung said he was optimistic about the events’ turnover this year following the release of the HK$2,000 e-vouchers last Sunday, despite the no-tasting rule in the venue. 

“Around 85 percent of the exhibitors can accept e-vouchers, so I believe this will boost visitors’ purchasing power,” he said. 

Meanwhile, the 30,000 free tickets would be distributed to visitors on a first-come-first-served basis before noon across three weekdays - next Thursday, Friday and August 16, Chau said. 

But visitors will first be required to present their vaccination records. 
He added that visitors can enjoy cheaper tickets at a range between HK$10 to HK$15 if they enter the venue before noon or after 6 pm on specific days - down from HK$25 to HK$40.