59th Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo kicks off with crowds and bargain hunters

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The 59th Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo opened today at Victoria Park, drawing huge crowds eager to snap up discounted goods for the festive season amid a lively atmosphere.

Visitors queued in separate lines for ticket holders and free-entry seniors near Causeway Bay station, with organizers reminding everyone not to run. 

Many arrived equipped with shopping trolleys and suitcases, ready for bulk purchases.

Shoppers stocked up on New Year gifts like canned abalone, sea cucumber, and sauces, as well as snacks and clothing. 

One couple planned to spend around HK$2,500 on their first opening-day visit but intended to return at the end for deeper discounts. 

Families with children loaded carts with new treats, including truffle prawn crackers and crab roe buns.

Elderly visitors happily bought dried seafood lucky bags for the winter solstice and Lunar New Year meals, with no spending limits for their families' enjoyment.

Exhibitors reported strong interest in seasonal items. Dried seafood merchant On Kee expected sales to rise 5-10 percent from last year, launching new ready-to-eat products like snack Buddha Jumps Over the Wall to boost spending. 

A Sichuan speciality stall, participating for the 16th time, anticipated around HK$1 million in turnover through promotions on honey, walnuts and pork jerky, helped by a new regional foods zone. Vendors hoped the event would stimulate the economy despite challenging times.