Hong Kong
Country
Hong Kong
Continent
Eastern Asia
Market Performance
Market worth around $500 million per year as of 2012 according to the most recent figures from Hong Kong Organic Resource Centre, with this amount likely to rise.
Consumer Preferences & Channels
35% of the HK population say they have purchased organic before. The biggest category is fresh produce/fruit.
75% of organic is sold through super markets and health shops. 15% of shoppers are likely spend more than HKD 500 (£50) per month, whereas 56% will likely spend HKD50 to HKD200 per month.
Confidence in organic provenance and price of organic are the negative deterrents, the former as there is no local legislation. A lack of choice is an issue.
With a significant ex pat community, brands from EU/US can do well.
Retailers and supermarkets are increasingly selling organic, taking over from the traditional wet markets.
In the last 10 years there has been a 4 fold increase in local organic produce sold in retailers such as Yeos, Vitasoy, Pearl River Bridge.
On line sales are also increasingly popular.
Organic is purchased by visiting people from China as well as local HK residents and expats.
Legislative Considerations
No legally required legislation at the moment. Local certification does exist but is voluntary. Therefore many different standards/logos and symbols from around the world are recognised.
Some products are even sold as organic without any kind of certification, sometimes fraudulently. Export certificates may be requested by importers which SAC can endorse.
Events
Asia Access Workshop - 27th of April 2017 - London. Soil Association Certification, the China Britain Business Council and the Food & Drink Exporters Association have come together for a half-day workshop event at the CBBC's London HQ. With a program of experts to help businesses better understand organic export requirements for countries in the Asia region, the event is free for Soil Association licensees, CBBC and FDEA Members. If you'd like to register interest in joining the session, please register here.
Natural & Organic Products Asia - 31st August.1st September 2017 - Hong KongHong Kong is the perfect gateway to the rapidly growing natural and organic markets of Asia. If you're a Soil Association Certified brand and intend to exhibit this year, please get in touch.
Sources & Links to Further Info