October 29, 2024
Buyers Flock to Hong Kong for Deals with Lighting Suppliers
Author: Al Uszynski
Stories from the show: U.S. lighting people, $7 flat panels and supply chain strategies
The 26th Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) is in full swing, drawing buyers from across the globe with an intense focus on securing deals and partnerships. With nearly 3,000 exhibitors from over 22 countries, the atmosphere at this year’s event is charged, with booth personnel reaching into aisles to hand out catalogs, initiate conversations, and bring buyers directly into their booths.
Walking the show floor often felt like channeling Captain Rex Kramer from Airplane! — maneuvering through the relentless pitches and engaging exhibitors vying for attention. The event, which runs from October 27 to October 30 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, is expected to draw over 60,000 attendees by its close. Additionally, the Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo, running from October 29 through November 1 at AsiaWorld-Expo, complements the main fair by focusing on outdoor and smart-city lighting solutions.
Held twice annually, the Hong Kong lighting fairs traditionally see stronger attendance in October, drawing both established buyers and those seeking new supply chain solutions in an evolving global trade landscape.
U.S. Buyers Focus on Supply Chain Stability
With the increased complexity of global trade, North American buyers have shown particular interest in strengthening supply chain partnerships. Kas Sharifi of Valriya Lighting in California highlighted the fair’s importance in maintaining vendor relationships. “We're here not only to explore new products and trends but also to gain insights into the strategies of our vendor partners. For me, it’s mainly about reinforcing relationships within our existing supply chain — meeting suppliers face-to-face,” said Sharifi.
Above: Ruby Jadwet, CEO of Truly Green Solutions (center) shares buyer insights from the stage
Ruby Jadwet from Truly Green Solutions, also based in California, was featured on a global panel discussing supply chain resilience and sustainable sourcing, sharing her experience in navigating industry challenges.
Casambi didn't exhibit, but their technology was integrated into numerous lighting manufacturers' booths
Casambi’s wireless lighting control technology was sprinkled throughout the show as dozens of exhibitors showcased Casambi-enabled solutions and signage indicating Casambi compatibiltiy. Mark McClear, CEO of Casambi, expressed enthusiasm for the strong industry turnout, stating, “We were pleasantly surprised to see so many North American and European OEMs at the show. We’ll be back next year!”
OEM, ODM, and OBM Partnerships Lead Market Focus
At this year’s Hong Kong fairs, exhibitors from Asia showcased a diverse range of OEM, ODM, and OBM services, catering to a global market that requires both flexibility and customization:
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): Focuses on producing products according to client designs, ideal for brands seeking scale.
- ODM (Original Design Manufacturer): Develops and innovates product designs for clients, supporting branding while maintaining product originality.
- OBM (Original Brand Manufacturer): Creates and markets products under its own brand, investing directly in branding and market reach.
Above: A display showing color tunable, DLC listed, LED Flat panels
At the Spectrum Expert LTD booth, the company showcased very economical products aimed at the North American and European markets, including a color-selectable, DLC-listed, and UL-listed family of flat panels priced very competitively. One highlight was their color-tunable 2x2' LED flat panel available for just $6.99. Amused by the low pricing, I pulled a $20 bill from my pocket and jokingly asked to buy two 2x4' panels on the spot, but the team clarified that such pricing requires a minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 500 units.
Above: Tospo told us that it serves Acuity Brands, Keystone Technologies and many other U.S. brands
Neal Yang of Tospo Lighting described his company’s OEM work with U.S.-based clients Acuity Brands and Keystone Technologies, noting that client-specific designs are kept off display at the fair. Similarly, Nora Liu from Topstar Lighting highlighted her company’s role in serving major U.S. brands, including GE Lighting, Satco, and Jesco Lighting, with specialized products in lamps and luminaires.
Above: Signify’s China OEM team maintained a booth presence. Tridonic, a division of Zumtobel Group was also showcasing its products
With tariffs on Chinese imports impacting U.S. product costs, exhibitors highlighted Thailand as a strategic alternative for manufacturing. Leedarson, a key supplier with factories in both China and Thailand, offers clients the flexibility to source tariff-free products for the U.S. market.
Will Xiao of Leedarson noted that while labor costs are slightly higher in Thailand, the tariff-free advantage provides essential cost savings for U.S. clients, including brands like Cooper Lighting, which relies on Leedarson for some its HALO downlight products. This setup enables Leedarson’s clients to remain competitive amid changing trade policies.
With one day remaining, the Hong Kong lighting fairs have already drawn significant international interest, cementing the city’s role as a premier industry hub for sourcing and partnership building. As lighting brands from around the world face evolving supply chain pressures, these events continue to offer critical opportunities to secure partnerships, evaluate product innovations, and ensure resilience in a global market.
