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

On Thursday, thousands of Hongkongers flocked to the city’s annual Food Expo at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, despite a heatwave. The five-day event saw over 1,850 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions showcasing an array of food products. Some exhibitors predicted a 10 per cent increase in business for the year.

Visitors, including retirees and families, braved the sweltering heat to take advantage of the bargain prices. Albert Wong, a 68-year-old retired driver, spent about HK$2,000 (US$255) on frozen salmon, sausages, spaghetti, and tea bags, noting that the expo’s prices were about 30 per cent lower than other retail outlets. Wong, a frequent attendee, planned to return on Saturday to purchase more instant noodles and canned food, expecting to spend another HK$3,000.

Alex Yau, a 47-year-old construction worker, and his wife spent about HK$5,000 on opening day, mostly on fish maw, abalone, dried seaweed, biscuits, and other snacks. Yau appreciated the bargain prices and the lively atmosphere, which encouraged spending. The retired social worker Tsang Miu-wah, 78, and her 83-year-old husband visited the fair for the fourth consecutive year, spending about HK$10,000 in two hours on partridges, quails, and instant noodles, reflecting their willingness to invest in healthier food options.

Exhibitors reported stronger foot traffic and sales, with some anticipating a 10 per cent business increase this year. Henry Poon, sales and marketing manager at On Kee Dry Seafood, observed a 20 to 30 per cent jump in foot traffic on opening day, alongside a 10 per cent sales increase. Popular products included abalone snack bites. Cara Chung, senior marketing officer at Kofco, also forecasted a 10 per cent sales rise, attributing the higher visitor numbers and sales to favorable weather.