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

The annual Food Expo in Hong Kong welcomed thousands of bargain hunters on its opening day, despite a sweltering heatwave. Attendees, ranging from retired individuals to families with young children, flocked to the five-day event held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. Over 1,850 exhibitors from more than 30 countries and regions participated in the fairs.

Visitors were attracted by discounted prices, as some exhibitors forecasted a 10% increase in business this year. Retired driver Albert Wong, for instance, spent around HK$2,000 on frozen salmon, sausages, spaghetti, and other items, noting the products were cheaper and more diverse than elsewhere. Fellow expo regular Alex Yau, a construction worker, and his wife also spent about HK$5,000, mostly on fish maw, abalone, and other snacks.

Retired social worker Tsang Miu-wah, 78, and her 83-year-old husband spent around HK$10,000 within two hours, marking the fourth year they visited the event. Exhibitors saw stronger foot traffic and sales, with some expecting a 10% increase in business. Henry Poon, sales and marketing manager at On Kee Dry Seafood, reported a 20-30% increase in opening day foot traffic from the previous year, with abalone snack bites being the most popular product.

Cara Chung, senior marketing officer at Kofco, also predicted a 10% sales increase at her company's booth.