Felicity Joyce at Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring) 2008: Blog 2

16 April 2008

The third day of the Hong Kong Electronics Fair was just as busy as the first two, with hundreds of visitors spilling out from halls, aisles and stands.

Perhaps this was partly the reason why the business section of today’s South China Morning Post reported a slow start to the Canton Fair yesterday.

In direct contrast with the Electronics Fair’s daily paper, which reported record attendance figures, the Morning Post said,“The twice-yearly China Import and Export fair in Guangzhou sent out 366,000 invitations to buyers across the globe, but on its normally bustling open day yesterday, only 7,200 had registered.”

The paper attributed the poor turnout to 'the global economy' and said that, “missing in action most noticeably were US buyers."

Back at the Electronics Fair, flat panel TVs, MP3 / MP4 players, digital frames, steam irons and Bluetooth products have all been proving popular product categories this year.

I have also encountered several unusual products along the way, too.

For example, a ceramic mug and saucer set from Panashiba, to which iPods and other audio devices can be connected.

According to the company, the sound quality is “actually quite good,” thanks to the inclusion of a built-in amplifier and full range, inverted cone, 2W magnet speaker in the saucer.

Interesting idea, although I’m not sure I would want music blaring out over my morning coffee.

Another product that caught my attention was the Kitchen Prep by American company UniSource.

It is similar to a multi-function food prep machine, except that its base (along with the electronic control pad) is built flush into the kitchen work top or island unit, rising up only 8mm.

This ‘power base’ (as it is called) can power a number of attachments including blenders, a veggie chopper, mixer, coffee grinder, food processor and even a soymilk maker, all of which are supplied with the product.

“Not only does this save counter space but it prevents clutter in cupboards as consumers don’t need to store five or six different appliances each with their own base,” explained company president, Fred Milne.

“It is ideal for the UK market, where kitchen space is at a premium. B&Q have already requested 1,000 units.”


Felicity Joyce at Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring) 2008: Blog 2	Back
16 April 2008 The third day of the Hong Kong Electronics Fair was just as busy as the first two, with hundreds of visitors spilling out from halls, aisles and stands. Perhaps this was partly the reason why the business section of today’s South China Morning Post reported a slow start to the Canton Fair yesterday. In direct contrast with the Electronics Fair’s daily paper, which reported record attendance figures, the Morning Post said,“The twice-yearly China Import and Export fair in Guangzhou sent out 366,000 invitations to buyers across the globe, but on its normally bustling open day yesterday, only 7,200 had registered.” The paper attributed the poor turnout to 'the global economy' and said that, “missing in action most noticeably were US buyers." Back at the Electronics Fair, flat panel TVs, MP3 / MP4 players, digital frames, steam irons and Bluetooth products have all been proving popular product categories this year. I have also encountered several unusual products along the way, too. For example, a ceramic mug and saucer set from Panashiba, to which iPods and other audio devices can be connected. According to the company, the sound quality is “actually quite good,” thanks to the inclusion of a built-in amplifier and full range, inverted cone, 2W magnet speaker in the saucer. Interesting idea, although I’m not sure I would want music blaring out over my morning coffee. Another product that caught my attention was the Kitchen Prep by American company UniSource. It is similar to a multi-function food prep machine, except that its base (along with the electronic control pad) is built flush into the kitchen work top or island unit, rising up only 8mm. This ‘power base’ (as it is called) can power a number of attachments including blenders, a veggie chopper, mixer, coffee grinder, food processor and even a soymilk maker, all of which are supplied with the product. “Not only does this save counter space but it prevents clutter in cupboards as consumers don’t need to store five or six different appliances each with their own base,” explained company president, Fred Milne. “It is ideal for the UK market, where kitchen space is at a premium. B&Q have already requested 1,000 units.”