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

As visitors snap up abalone, frozen salmon and other foods, some exhibitors forecast a 10 per cent increase in business this year

Thousands of Hongkongers packed the city’s annual food fair for its opening on Thursday, snapping up abalone, frozen salmon, instant noodles and other products, as some exhibitors forecast a 10 per cent increase in business this year.

The five-day Food Expo is among five trade fairs that opened on Thursday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai.

Visitors, including older residents and families with young children, descended on the food expo despite the sweltering heat. Among them were retired driver Albert Wong and his wife.

The 68-year-old said he spent about HK$2,000 (US$255) on frozen salmon, sausages, spaghetti, tea bags and other items. He noted that the prices at the expo were equivalent to a discount of about 30 per cent compared with elsewhere.

“The products are cheaper and more diverse here, and it is convenient to shop when different brands and products are sold at the same venue,” he said, adding that he had visited the fair for many years.