Food expo optimistic about sales amid competition

The annual Food Expo returns tomorrow at the Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai, as vendors remain hopeful about sales amid the changing spending habits of local consumers. Last year, nearly half a million people thronged the five-day extravaganza, with the organiser, the Hong Kong Trade and Development Council, saying they spent an average of $1,500. But the recent trend of Hongkongers spending their weekends in Shenzhen and other parts of Guangdong Province has threatened local businesses. The council's marketing associate director, Eddie Lee, pointed out they've done a lot to promote this year's event. "We have been doing a lot of promotion to communicate the selling point, and the highlights of our expos to...not just our local audience, and by these promotional activities in nearby areas, the Greater Bay Area, we hope also to attract visitors from our nearby cities to visit Hong Kong and participate in our fairs," he told RTHK. For the first time, the 34th edition of the popular event will be held in conjunction with three other expos, featuring vendors specialising in tea, beauty and wellness products and home appliances. Admission costs $30 per adult, or $10 if they enter before noon on weekdays or after 6pm every night. An extra $10 is charged for those who wish to enter the "gourmet zone" where visitors are offered a taste of delicacies from around the world, including French foie gras, Australian abalone and Japanese vinegar.