HONG KONG: Hong Kong's people love to drink tea and have the highest tea consumption among all Asian cities to prove it. The 1,360 grams per capita annual consumption of tea is about twice the global average, according to the Chinese Tea Culture International Exchange Association.

The city's standing as a "Tea Capital of the World" became the impetus for the first-ever Hong Kong International Tea Fair this year, scheduled at the Convention and Exhibition Centre from August 13th to 15th.

Two hundred and forty-seven exhibitors representing more than 10 countries will put out their best products and services: tea, tea-ware, tea packaging, and tea processing equipment.

The Tea Gallery will showcase teapots, brewing equipment, tea bricks and tea-related publications. There will even be tea-making performances, seminars and public forums on tea.

Jose Yu Sunsay, chairman of the Chinese Tea Culture International Exchange Association, said Hong Kong has appreciation of the finest teas. The city imported HK$380 million worth of tea in 2008, a 10 percent increase over 2007.

Yu said, "Today's younger generation seems to prefer drinks, like coke or coffee, which contain substances harmful to the body. Tea, on the other hand, is beneficial to health, and can positively influence mood."

There's also a long tradition. Yu stressed the philosophy of Chinese tea culture is to cultivate virtues and to emphasize the harmony of the relationship between man and nature. He hopes he can pass these values onto young people.

(HK Edition 08/06/2009 page1)