Mainland prefers HK food brands for quality, hygiene

GUANGZHOU: 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.