Hong Kong's food brands are getting more popular on the mainland, a survey said yesterday.
Up to 27 percent of 1,400 respondents, much higher than the rate four years ago, said they preferred Hong Kong food and had confidence in their quality, the survey said. The survey, conducted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Wuhan and Shenyang from October 2008 to early 2009, indicated consumers preferred Hong Kong food to those made on the mainland due to safety concerns.
"The survey result showed an increasing market potential on the mainland for Hong Kong food manufacturers," said Daniel Lam, a senior HKTDC manager, said, citing that the per capita expenses on food on the mainland increased from 1,970 yuan ($290) nine years ago to 3,630 yuan in 2008.
The growing popularity of Hong Kong food was apparent at a fair in Guangzhou last month. Most Hong Kong exhibitors had to replenish stocks as their products were completely sold out in the first two days, Lam said.
"Many manufacturers who did not participate in the fair called us, asking for participation in other promotional events in the mainland. They are eager to develop the mainland market," Lam said.
The council has planned two more food trade fairs in Wuhan, Hubei province, and Chongqing in May and November this year, said Lam.
Edward Yau, a chief economist with HKTDC, urged Hong Kong food producers to develop more high-end products, aimed at mainland consumers.
"Mainland consumers are most concerned about food safety," Yau said, adding that Hong Kong food producers should focus on food safety, health and taste to attract customers from the mainland market.
But Yau urged Hong Kong producers not to mark up prices for the mainland market.
"Customers are also very sensitive about the food price," he said.
Source: China Daily
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