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Fiona Sun

Thousands of Hongkongers packed the city’s annual food fair for its opening on Thursday, snapping up abalone, frozen salmon, instant noodles and other products, as some exhibitors forecast a 10 per cent increase in business this year.
The five-day Food Expo is among five trade fairs that opened on Thursday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.
More than 1,850 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions are taking part in this year’s fairs, according to the organiser, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
Visitors, including older residents and families with young children, descended on the food expo despite the sweltering heat. Among them were retired driver Albert Wong and his wife.
The 68-year-old said he spent about HK$2,000 (US$255) on frozen salmon, sausages, spaghetti, tea bags and other items. He noted that the prices at the expo were equivalent to a discount of about 30 per cent compared with elsewhere.
“The products are cheaper and more diverse here, and it is convenient to shop when different brands and products are sold at the same venue,” he said, adding that he had visited the fair for many years.

Wong said he would return on Saturday to stock up on instant noodles and canned food, expecting to spend another HK$3,000.
Fellow expo regulars Alex Yau, a 47-year-old construction worker, and his wife said they spent about HK$5,000 on opening day, mostly on fish maw and abalone, as well as dried seaweed, biscuits and other snacks.
Yau said the product selection and prices were similar to last year’s event.
“The bargain prices are a major attraction. I also enjoy the atmosphere here, which can encourage people to spend,” he said.
Drawn by good bargains, retired social worker Tsang Miu-wah, 78, and her 83-year-old husband travelled from their home in Yuen Long for the event – marking the fourth year the couple had visited the annual fair.
Within two hours, the couple spent about HK$10,000 on partridges, quails and other items such as instant noodles, a jump from the roughly HK$3,000 they spent at last year’s fair.
Tsang said they were happy to pay extra to eat more healthily and nutritiously, noting: “We are willing to spend on food for a healthy life.”
Exhibitors also reported stronger foot traffic and sales, with some expecting an increase in business this year.

Henry Poon Wing-hei, sales and marketing manager at On Kee Dry Seafood, said opening day foot traffic jumped by 20 to 30 per cent from last year, while business rose by about 10 per cent.
He said the most popular products sold at the company’s booth were abalone snack bites.
Older residents accounted for most buyers, he said, adding that he expected more younger patrons over the weekend.
“We expect a 10 per cent increase in business at this year’s fair,” he said.
Cara Chung, senior marketing officer at Kofco, also forecast a 10 per cent sales increase at her company’s booth, where visitors were snapping up instant noodle products.
“The number of visitors and sales are higher on the first day this year than last year as the weather is good,” she said.
The five trade fairs last year brought together about 1,890 exhibitors and attracted more than 500,000 visits.


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Hong Kong economy

Thousands of bargain hunters descend on Hong Kong’s Food Expo despite heatwave

Visitors flock to the first day of Hong Kong’s annual Food Expo. Photo: Karma Lo

A young boy tucks into some abalone at the expo. Photo: Karma Lo

Visitors descended on the food expo despite the sweltering heat. Photo: Karma Lo

Vendors advertise their wares. Photo: Karma Lo

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Henry Poon  of On Kee Dry Seafood says abalone for HK$1 will be offered as part of a game to attract customers. Karma Lo

Hiang Kie Coffee Group is gearing up for the expo. Photo: Karma Lo

A couple of youngsters get an early taste of mooncakes. Photo: Karma Lo

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DripSquare CEO Eiri Yokota (second from left) and Feng Xia (right), head of overseas markets at Alen International, are hoping to make their mark at the fair. Photo: Nora Tam

Boochaa (tea) tasting. The expo runs from Thursday to Saturday at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. Photo: Nora Tam

News

Hong Kong

Hong Kong Economy

As visitors snap up abalone, frozen salmon and other foods, some exhibitors forecast a 10 per cent increase in business this year


As visitors snap up abalone, frozen salmon and other foods, some exhibitors forecast a 10 per cent increase in business this year.


Food and Drinks

China

Thousands of bargain hunters descend on Hong Kong’s Food Expo despite heatwave

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}As visitors snap up abalone, frozen salmon and other foods, some exhibitors forecast a 10 per cent increase in business this year

As visitors snap up abalone, frozen salmon and other foods, some exhibitors forecast a 10 per cent increase in business this year