Yip said: 'Tea trading performs well in economic downturns because many people drink it to ease stress and tea is the second most popular drink in the world after water.'

Tea is also the most popular beverage in Hong Kong and the city has the highest consumption of tea of all Asian cities.

The three-day fair features nearly 250 exhibitors from 10 countries and includes a tea gallery featuring tea pots, tea bricks, brewing equipment and tea-making performances.