HONG KONG – The 2026 Hong Kong International Tea Culture Forum, themed "New Tea Creations, New Culinary Delights, New Horizons – Chinese Tea, Global Appeal", will convene on Aug 14 at the "Tea Garden" (5FG), Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. 

Jointly organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Chinese Tea Culture International Exchange Association, the forum aims to propel Chinese tea brands from simply "going global" to deeply "embedding locally" in international markets.

Leveraging Hong Kong’s strategic position as an international hub bridging East and West, the event will focus on the booming sectors of new tea beverages and new tea-infused foods. It seeks to establish a complete industry chain loop—from raw material supply and R&D to product innovation and brand export—providing systematic solutions to overcome key challenges in globalization.

The forum marks a significant upgrade following the 2025 edition, which centered on "Tea Connects the World: Brands Go Global". This year’s program integrates resources across production, academia, research, and enterprise to explore deep integration between traditional tea culture and new consumption trends, technology, and markets.

A highlight will be keynote speeches from three leading authorities. Professor Wang Yuefei, director of the Tea Research Institute at Zhejiang University, will discuss "Technological Innovation and the Development of China’s Tea Industry", outlining pathways for smart, standardized modernization. Professor Shen Dongmei from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences will present "Health Demands, Culture, and the Dissemination & Trade of Chinese Tea", decoding the cultural and wellness drivers behind global trade. Dr Mao Limin, vice-president of the Chinese Tea Communication Association, will explore the resurgence of matcha in his speech, "Millennium Matcha Returns Home: The Evolution of Matcha and Its New Chapter in Contemporary China".

A dynamic roundtable discussion will feature founders of leading brands and academics. Participants include Liu Shunshun, co-founder of Lemon Season; Lan Fangren, lecturer at National Chung Hsing University and University of Taipei; Li Xiaoyi, chairman of Tianyue Group; and Hong Jingyan, founder of multiple brands including Da You Zhi Pu. They will debate strategies for aligning brand exports with cross-cultural communication, innovating food-tea fusion scenarios, and revitalizing traditional teas for modern consumers.

Organizers emphasize that the forum serves as a crucial bridge. By harnessing Hong Kong’s mature international trade networks and diverse consumer market, the event aims to unlock the potential of new tea beverages and foods, fostering innovative expressions of Chinese tea culture. The ultimate goal is to bring the unique "Global Appeal" of Chinese tea to the world stage, opening new chapters for its international growth.