Natural Beauty 2025 Interim Profit Surges by 136% to HK$11 Million

– the Strategy of ‘AI Technology – Beauty Industry – Holistic Health’ brings Remarkable Results

HONG KONG, Aug 6, 2025 – (ACN Newswire) – 5 August, The well-known dual-listed beauty and skincare group in Asia, Natural Beauty Bio-Technology Limited (“Natural Beauty”), together with its subsidiaries (the “Group”; Hong Kong stock code: 00157), today announced its interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2025 (the “Review Period”). The Group’s turnover and profit for the Review Period soared by nearly 70% to over HK$260 million and 136% to HK$11 million, respectively. A good number of its core indicators for the period also reached record highs, evidencing the strong development resilience and growth potential of the Group in the beauty and skincare sector.

Mainland China, which is the core market of the Group, recorded turnover HK$220 million in the first half of 2025, up 101% year-on-year, and has thus become the main driving force of the Group’s overall performance growth. In terms of channels, the franchise model performed particularly well, contributing turnover of HK$200 million, a 115% increase year-on-year. In the Review Period, 237 new franchise stores were added, a leap of 88%. The rapidly expanding store network has given the segment solid support for turnover growth. Turnover from self-owned channels (including counters) climbed by 112% to HK$13 million, reflecting the success of its refined retail operations. In addition, the turnover of the health supplements segment also grew by 110%, to HK$28 million, a testament to the success of the Group’s “Holistic Health” strategy.

Dr. Lei Chien, Chairman and Executive Director of Natural Beauty, said, “The Group’s ‘AI Technology, Beauty Industry, Holistic Health’ strategy has brought remarkable results and enabled us to transform our brand. In AI technology development, our strategic partnership with Spain’s INDIBA has enabled the integration of their cutting-edge devices with our proprietary formulations, resulting in the co-created White Moonlight product series. By combining advanced international technology with our proprietary skincare solutions, we’ve transformed the series into a market bestseller – clear validation of this collaborative model’s effectiveness.

Mr. CHENG Chi-Chung, who has just completed his first year as the Group CEO, has led the team in strategically expanding the beauty ecosystem by introducing an agent-based store expansion and partnership model, driving rapid growth in the franchising channel. He said:” We have established a comprehensive ‘Standardized Operations System + End-to-End Support Framework’, enabling franchisees to replicate successful models efficiently. This system has facilitated the successful launch of 237 new stores in the first half of this year, all achieving strong business growth.

Beyond the dual growth in cosmetics and AI devices, our “Total Wellness” strategy for health supplements delivered outstanding results – generating HK$28 million in revenue with nearly 110% year-on-year growth. The success stems from two key factors: firstly, the products, which closely align with consumers health demand of ‘internal and external nutrition’, are made with premium ingredients sourced globally and technically supported by cross-strait R&D centers apt in delivering high-quality nutritional solutions, and secondly, integrating with ‘Holistic Health’ scenarios, health supplements are promoted alongside skincare services to create closed-loop consumption. That confirms the strong market recognition we enjoy for our comprehensive ‘skincare + health management’ solutions.”

Looking ahead, benefiting from consumption rebounding and industry upgrade, the Group will, with its “AI Technology, Beauty Industry, Holistic Health” strategy at the core, push forward in two key directions: continue to integrate industrial chain resources to speed up digital transformation across channels, and use big data to accurately capture demand and build a “demand—R&D—channels” closed-loop system to reinforce the market leadership.

Photo caption:

Nature Beauty Outlet

About Natural Beauty Bio-Technology Limited (Hong Kong stock code:00157)
A China’s leading listed beauty and skincare brand established in 1972, has championed its core philosophy of “Natural Beauty Is True Beauty” for 54 years. Driven by its “AI Technology, Beauty Industry, Holistic Health” integrated strategy, the brand operates a global network of over 2,000 outlets. As a Chinese-origin transnational biotech pioneer, Natural Beauty continues to propel innovation in the cosmetics and skincare sector.

Media enquiries
Strategic Financial Relations Limited
Mandy GoTel: +852 2864 4812Email: mandy.go@sprg.com.hk 
Maggie ZhangTel: +852 2114 4903Email: maggie.zhang@sprg.com.hk 
Website:http://www.sprg.com.hk

[Media Alert] Say Goodbye to Brain Fog and Digestive Woes: Recharge with LAC

In today’s fast-paced world, many individuals find themselves grappling with overwhelming stress and its accompanying challenges. The constant pressures of modern life can leave individuals feeling mentally and physically drained.

Especially in Singapore, the hustle culture and rising cost of living contributes heavily to this. A recent survey found that nearly 90% of Singaporeans experience chronic stress, driven by issues like financial concerns and a general uncertainty about the future. This relentless pace, paired with the constant pressure to meet expectations, continues to take a toll on both mental and physical health, even as the new year begins.

Prolonged stress can, however, impact cognitive functions leading to brain fog, memory loss and inflammation, while the digestive system may struggle to keep up with the demands of life. When the mind is overloaded, it becomes difficult to focus, make decisions, or retain information, leading to decreased productivity and increased frustracalention. Furthermore, prolonged stress can disrupt the gut-brain connection, triggering digestive issues such as bloating, indigestion, and inflammation, which hinder the body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients.

LAC (pronounced as L-A-C) aims to help individuals navigate these transitions with mindful practices and targeted health solutions. For individuals grappling with cognitive or digestive issues, LAC recommends its BrainSpeed® PS and Probiotic Complex 25 Billion CFU – Daily Support to help support mental and digestive health.

Formulated with high phosphatidylserine (PS), LAC BrainSpeed® PS promotes brain health, enhances focus and alertness, and helps individuals cope with stress more effectively, resulting in overall work productivity. This supplement helps to regulate high stress levels, balances mood and promotes cognitive functions for individuals who are seeking mental clarity.

With over 25 Billion CFUs of active probiotics and 12 strains of friendly bacteria, Probiotic Complex 25 Billion CFU – Daily Support helps to effectively maintain probiotic levels and boosts the immune system, reducing the risks of inflammation in the gut, maintaining a healthy balance of bacteria in the body.

LAC also offers solutions for children to support optimal health and overall well-being. LAC BrainSpeed® Junior is specially formulated with DHA to support cognitive development and mental clarity, allowing children to stay focused in their schools. On the other hand, LAC Probiotic Junior contains 12.5 Billion CFU of Probiotics that strengthens the immune system and absorbs essential nutrients effectively.

You may access the high-resolution visuals of the products through the media kit here.

World’s Most Sleep-Deprived Nation Has a Gender Crisis: Why Singaporean Women Bear the Heaviest Burden

Living in a highly-productive and high-performance society like Singapore does have its benefits – breeding a highly-competitive environment where efficiency is achieved, stability is maintained, and getting full value is often the name of the game. In Singapore, its citizens have accepted this as the status quo.

However, Singapore has also been found to be the most exhausted and sleep-deprived nation in the world, scoring 7.2 out of 10 on a fatigue scale, with only 44% of the population getting the recommended seven hours of sleep. As we mark International Women’s Day and World Sleep Day this March, research has shown that this hidden crisis of sleep deprivation disproportionately impacts women. The numbers expose a brutal truth:

Beyond increasing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and depression, sleep deprivation launches a direct assault on women’s health and appearance. During sleep, the body’s natural repair mechanisms regenerate skin cells, produce collagen, and fight premature aging. When sleep is compromised, the consequences are profound:

  • Accelerated skin aging
  • Increased inflammation
  • Reduced skin cell turnover
  • Dull, tired complexion

LAC understands that addressing sleep is more than a wellness strategy – it’s a form of empowerment. Their comprehensive range tackles both internal sleep challenges and external skin restoration, supporting women’s holistic health.

LAC addresses this gap with its TriAction Sleep Formula, a supplement designed to support the natural sleep cycle through a unique triple-layer technology. The formula is engineered to release key sleep-supporting nutrients at different stages:

  • Pre-Sleep Phase: While still awake, the first layer works to calm the mind and body using a blend of Valerian Root Extract, Saffron Extract, Magnesium, and Melatonin, signaling that it’s time to unwind and sleep.
  • Transition to Sleep: After settling into bed, the second layer—with ingredients like L-Theanine and GABA—helps ease the transition into sleep, promoting a faster onset and more stable rest.
  • Sustained Rest: Throughout the night, the third layer gradually releases the same actives, reducing interruptions and helping to maintain a consistent sleep cycle. This controlled release is particularly beneficial for adjusting sleep patterns during travel or shifts in routine.

This multi-stage approach aims to help individuals manage common sleep disturbances, ultimately improving mood, reducing daytime fatigue, and supporting the body’s natural repair processes. It is also made with all natural ingredients, preventing over reliance or dependency.

Complementing the emphasis on quality sleep is the LAC Taut range, which focuses on protecting against premature skin aging through advanced collagen support.

This premium collagen drink delivers a potent 13,000mg of Rapid Delivery System (RDS) low molecular weight fish collagen per serving, sourced from deep-sea red snapper. It’s formulated to help restore, firm, and hydrate the skin while combatting Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs), which are associated with premature aging.

A high-intensity facial mask infused with hydrolysed collagen, squalane, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants. In just 7-10 minutes, it aims to enhance skin texture and facial contours, leaving the skin feeling smooth, supple, and lifted.

An ultra-lightweight face serum enriched with premium collagen and antioxidants. This serum is designed to hydrate intensively, repair the skin barrier, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, promoting a more youthful complexion.

This March, we invite you to reclaim your rest and restore your vitality: Sleep is not a luxury. It’s your most powerful form of self-care. By integrating these products into a regular skincare regimen, alongside prioritising sufficient sleep, individuals can support their skin’s natural rejuvenation processes. This combined approach addresses both external care and internal health, reflecting LAC’s commitment to comprehensive wellness solutions.

Prioritise Self-Love and Self-Care This Year For A Better You

Self-care has traditionally taken a backseat in our fast-paced world, yet its importance cannot be overstated. Rather than viewing external relationships as the ultimate source of fulfilment, many are prioritising personal well-being and self-care. This shift has redefined how individuals approach health, empowerment, and overall quality of life.

Despite its proven benefits—reducing stress, boosting self-esteem, and strengthening our connections with others—self-care is often neglected. A recent study found that only a third of people practice self-care daily, highlighting the need to prioritise habits that nourish the mind and body.

LAC emphasises the importance of self-care, encouraging individuals from all walks of life to nurture their well-being and invest in their health.

To support this journey of self-care, LAC (pronounced L-A-C) has thoughtfully curated a selection of wellness essentials designed to help individuals juggling packed schedules feel their best, inside and out.

LAC Hair Protect™ – Hair Growth Formula FullCal® – Highly Assimilable Calcium Citrate Formula, and Joint Protec® Flex – UC-II® Collagen + CurQlife Plus® Turmeric

From maintaining strong bones and joints to nourishing hair health, these supplements help individuals to maintain vitality and mobility, ensuring you stay vibrant, full of life, and ready to embrace self-love this season.

Hair health is closely tied to overall well-being, and factors like stress, poor circulation, and nutrient deficiencies can contribute to hair thinning and loss. Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), LAC Activated® Hair Protect™ combines nine natural herbs, including He Shou Wu, to support scalp health, strengthen hair follicles, and promote natural growth.

By nourishing the liver and kidneys—key organs in TCM for maintaining healthy blood circulation—this vegetarian and halal-certified formula helps improve hair strength, thickness, and shine while reducing hair loss. Ideal for those experiencing stress, frequent hair treatments, or premature greying, LAC Activated® Hair Protect™ supports a fuller, healthier head of hair.

As simple as it sounds, prolonged day-to-day activities, alongside growing age, often brings joint issues such as the synovial fluid and calcium depletion within the bones and joints. The combination of both LAC FullCal® – Highly Assimilable Calcium Citrate and Formula Joint Protec® Flex – UC-II® Collagen + CurQlife Plus® Turmeric provides the necessary nutrients for stronger bones and joint health.

Formulated with LAC’s proprietary blend, individuals will no longer need to consume separate combinations of supplements to achieve similar results, bringing much convenience and cost-effectiveness at the same time.

By prioritising self-care, individuals can cultivate health, confidence, and overall well-being, making them better equipped to navigate life’s demands. LAC encourages everyone to take a step back, recharge, and invest in their health, because true well-being starts from within.

Combat Holiday Stress and Protect Your Immunity with LAC This Christmas!

People often associate the end of the year as a time to wind down, slow down and get into the New Year celebration mood – but surprisingly, around the world, research has shown that stress levels actually increases during the holiday season, with year-end work deadlines, last-minute shopping, loneliness, and increased travel commitments as a large contribution to the additional pressure. With 87% of Singaporeans already experiencing high stress levels throughout the year, the number spikes further as the close of the year creeps in.

In the post-pandemic era, research has proven that there is an intrinsic link between stress, immune function, and vulnerability to illnesses. The higher stress one faces on a day-to-day basis, the weaker the immune function becomes. Increased social interactions, feasting and late nights also causes a strain on the immunity and overall well-being of individuals.

For example, the prevalence of leisure sickness, falling ill during or immediately after vacations, has been the focus of many researchers – why do people fall sick after a holiday break? Leisure sickness is caused by a combination of chronic stress, disrupted routines, and exposure to pathogens unfamiliar to the body from foreign lands, which have been shown to leave individuals with a weakened immune system, further underscoring the need for immune support during the holidays.

In light of the holiday season, LAC (pronounced as L-A-C), is dedicated to maintaining optimal stress and immunity levels among individuals, to allow them to fully enjoy and immerse themselves in the season of giving with its TriAction C 1000 – Timed-Release and its best-seller, LAC Masquelier’s French Pine Bark Extract.

LAC TriAction C 1000 – Timed-Release is formulated to support the immune system and help mitigate the effects of stress and seasonal flu. Packed with a revolutionary Vitamin C formula, the advanced timed-release technology ensures that individuals receive the right amount of Vitamin C, enhancing vitality and fortifying the immune system to stay strong and healthy.

Stress-induced free radicals can significantly weaken the immune system and damage cells in the body. Rich in powerful antioxidants, LAC Masquelier’s French Pine Bark Extract helps to neutralise these harmful free radicals, strengthening the body’s natural defenses, promoting resilience against viruses and maintaining overall-wellbeing.

Sweetness Affecting Both the Young and Old: Prevent Diabetes with LAC This World Diabetes Day

How much sugar does a Singaporean typically take in a day? In a recent speech by Health Minister Mr. Ong Ye Kung, Singapore is too sweet. While the average daily sugar intake of Singaporeans has fallen from 60g in 2018 to 56g in 2022, this number still works out to about 11 teaspoons of daily sugar consumption, about 10% higher than the ideal intake of less than 50g.

Amid an ageing population, the younger generation in Singapore is also increasingly affected by this chronic condition, highlighting a growing national health concern related to sugar consumption.

Sugar, a common mis-solution to anxiety, often provides a sense of fleeting comfort. The instant boost in dopamine from sugar can create a cycle of dependency, giving temporary relief from stress or anxiety but contributing to harmful physical effects, such as inflammation, weight gain, and insulin resistance.

The overconsumption of sugar, combined with sedentary lifestyles and other unhealthy dietary habits have contributed to diabetes becoming a major global health crisis today – Alarmingly, diabetes rates are rising among the younger generationincluding both teenagers and young adults, contributing to nearly half a million cases in Singapore. Astonishingly, 40% of Singaporeans remain unaware of their pre-diabetic status, an often silent condition that could lead to type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that if left unmanaged, can lead to serious health complications, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, nerve damage or even vision loss. However, type 2 diabetes can be prevented through proactive lifestyle changes, including healthy eating, regular physical activity, so as to maintain optimal blood sugar levels.

In line with World Diabetes Day on 14 November, LAC (pronounced as L-A-C) is dedicated to highlight the importance of taking preventative measures against diabetes. By incorporating supplements that support blood sugar regulation and reduce carbohydrate absorption, along with a healthy diet and increased physical activity, individuals can maintain their glucose levels and maintain their metabolic health.

LAC GlucoX is designed to support healthy glucose levels. Formulated with bitter melon and Fibersol-2, Banaba leaf, Gymnema, Chromium and Brown Seaweed, GlucoX helps slow down carbohydrate absorption and optimises glucose utilisation, supporting individuals in managing their blood sugar levels effectively.

LAC Bitter Melon Formula, is formulated with Momordica Charantia Polysaccharide (MCP), a key compound from bitter melon known for its ability to support healthy blood glucose levels. It enhances the body’s ability to regulate insulin production and supports the overall metabolic health of individuals.

Beat The Silent Disease of Osteoporosis with LAC, Before It’s Too Late!

Despite Singapore’s abundant sunlight, Vitamin D deficiency remains a prevalent health issue, affecting millions of people. This deficiency significantly compromises bone health, leading to osteoporosis, a “silent disease” due to its subtle onset. Research indicates that bone health begins to decline at age 25, making it crucial to address this issue, especially as Singapore’s population continues to age. The urgency to combat this silent epidemic has never been greater.

As sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary choices become increasingly common, the impact of osteoporosis is alarming: one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50 in Singapore are affected. Known as the “sunshine vitamin,” vitamin D plays a critical role in efficient calcium absorption, essential for maintaining bone density and preventing osteopenia and osteoporosis. Without adequate vitamin D, the body struggles to absorb calcium, increasing risk of fractures and leading to deteriorating bone health.

In line with World Osteoporosis Day on 20 October, LAC (pronounced as L-A-C) is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of bone health and empowering individuals to take preventive measures to optimise their bone density. By incorporating calcium-rich foods or supplements, ensuring adequate Vitamin D intake and regular physical activity, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

LAC FullCal® combines calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D in a golden ratio, making it vital for maintaining strong bones, teeth and muscle function. This unique formula not only reduces the risk of osteoporosis but also improves calcium absorption, making it an excellent option for maintaining optimal bone health. With its all-in-one solution, individuals no longer need to rely on three separate supplements to achieve the same benefits, offering both enhanced convenience and cost savings.

LAC Joint Protec®, formulated with a proprietary blend of ingredients such as Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Collagen, work together to alleviate joint stiffness and discomfort while enhancing mobility and flexibility.

Vyasa Yoga SG Marks Silver Jubilee with International Wellness Conference

Vyasa Yoga SG, Singapore’s leading yoga institute, proudly celebrated its Silver Jubilee this month, marking 25 years of transforming lives through yoga and holistic health practices. Founded with S-VYASA, Vyasa Yoga SG has empowered thousands through its scientific, research-based yoga training and therapy programs, building a community of 3,000 certified yoga instructors and 500 yogi health therapists.

The Silver Jubilee celebrations were inaugurated by esteemed guests, including Deputy High Commissioner of India Pooja Tillu, Neil Parekh, Chairman of Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), Dr. H R Nagendra Guruji, Padma Shri awardee and renowned yoga guru, and Dr. Manjunath NK, Vice-President of the Asian Yoga Therapy Association, alongside Vyasa Yoga SG Founder, Manoj Thakur.

To commemorate the milestone, Vyasa Yoga SG hosted the **International Conference on “Comprehensive Wellness Strategy” from October 19th to 20th, 2024 at the Galaxy Ballroom, CSC Tessensohn Club. The conference brought together 50 experts from 11 countries to explore integrating ancient yoga wisdom with modern science to enhance well-being. In her keynote address, Deputy High Commissioner Pooja Tillu emphasized the global relevance of yoga, stating: “Continue embracing yoga practice as a guiding light that will bring us together as a global family.”

Manoj Thakur, Founder of Vyasa Yoga SG, reflected on the institute’s journey, “It has been a remarkable 25-year journey. Our success reflects the spirit of well-being we have cultivated in Singapore and beyond. We look forward to guiding people towards healthier, happier lives for many more years to come.”

The event featured live yoga demonstrations and a special recognition ceremony to honor the institute’s significant contributions to health and wellness in Singapore. 

Vyasa Yoga SG is planning a series of events throughout the year to celebrate its 25th anniversary.

About Vyasa Yoga SG

Established to promote a healthy lifestyle through a scientific approach to yoga, Vyasa Yoga SG offers a variety of accredited programs for all ages and levels. With a mission to foster a culture of well-being, the institute continues to be at the forefront of holistic health in Singapore. For more information, visit  https://vyasasingapore.com/

For further media queries contact:
Ganesh Somwanshi
ganesh@mettai.world

Empower your Heart Health with LAC This World Heart Day!

People often associate the matters of the heart with emotional experiences, but heart health is a critical aspect that often goes unnoticed until it is too late. Today, heart health is not only associated with high cholesterol levels and blood pressure. The difference in an individual’s ethnicity and lifestyle causes varying susceptibilities to cardiovascular diseases, further compounding the risk factors for heart health. In Singapore alone, cardiovascular diseases kill 1 out of every 3 people, a number that is not only shocking, but also worrying.

While maintaining an active lifestyle and consuming healthy food are fundamental to improving the heart health of individuals, Singaporeans engaging in sufficient physical activity has decreased by nearly 10% since 2022. This lack of physical activity, coupled with increased stress levels and other socio-economic factors contribute to fat and plaque buildup in and around the heart and arteries, significantly increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

This World Heart Day on 29 September, LAC (pronounced as L-A-C) aims to support good heart health through LAC Activated® Heart Protect™.

Heart attacks are typically caused by plaque build-up in the arteries, which restricts smooth blood flow to the heart and can eventually lead to blood clots. Alongside regular physical activity, LAC Activated® Heart Protect™ can support heart health. Formulated with Nattokinase, a powerful enzyme with anti-clotting properties, it helps to prevent blood clots and promote better circulation.

In addition, the LAC Activated® Heart Protect™ also contains Hawthorn and Lecithin, which work together to manage cholesterol levels and promote healthy blood circulation.

Inaugural Hong Kong Shopping Festival ends successfully

– Enthusiastic response from local SMEs, HKTDC actively preparing for the next edition

– The inaugural Hong Kong Shopping Festival, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), concluded successfully in August with total impressions exceeding 90 million on e-commerce discussion forums and official website
– The festival helped local SMEs increase brand awareness and gain practical experience in expanding into the mainland market via e-commerce. Hong Kong companies received numerous enquiries and orders from potential customers during the event
– The event collaborated with more than 30 renowned mainland KOLs on three major e-commerce platforms, with live-streaming e-commerce promotions for more than 60 Hong Kong brands, demonstrating mainland consumers’ strong confidence in the city’s goods
– The HKTDC is actively preparing for the next edition of the Hong Kong Shopping Festival to help more local SMEs enter the mainland e-commerce market

The Hong Kong Shopping Festival, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and fully supported by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), concluded successfully in late August, helping local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) increase brand awareness and gain practical experience in expanding into the mainland market via e-commerce channels. The event received an enthusiastic response, with more than 90 million impressions on e-commerce discussion forums and official website.

Algernon Yau, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development of the HKSAR Government, said: “The global e-commerce market continues to grow rapidly. In particular, the mainland has been the leading online retail market for 11 consecutive years, becoming an engine of growth for Hong Kong SMEs to expand their businesses. The HKSAR Government put forward a number of initiatives in the 2023 Policy Address to encourage and assist local SMEs in developing e-commerce businesses and seizing market opportunities. We are delighted that the inaugural Hong Kong Shopping Festival was well received and gained the robust support of local businesses, motivating more SMEs to participate in e-commerce businesses. The Government will continue to support SMEs through various measures, including the SME Export Marketing Fund and ‘E-commerce Easy’, so as to encourage SMEs to upgrade and restructure their operations and develop e-commerce businesses, thereby promoting the development of new quality productive forces.”

Stephen Liang, Assistant Executive Director of the HKTDC, said: “The inaugural Hong Kong Shopping Festival has concluded after a successful one-month run, providing local SMEs with a practical platform to master the art of e-commerce.  The event has also significantly enhanced SMEs’ brand awareness, building a solid foundation for their future development in the mainland e-commerce market. Following the event, many SMEs have expressed interest in participating in future Hong Kong Shopping Festivals, demonstrating their strong interest in the e-commerce sector and willingness to tap into the enormous potential of the mainland market. This positive response has given us the impetus to organise the event again next year.”

Throughout August, the HKTDC, led by Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, collaborated with celebrities and influencers to promote the Hong Kong Shopping Festival through various strategically planned digital marketing channels, including Xiaohongshu, Douyin, Taobao, JD and others, boosting visits to the official website and, in turn, to the SMEs’ own online stores.

Understanding live-streaming and other techniques in mainland market
During the festival, several SMEs kickstarted live-streaming e-commerce in the mainland market, including Markwill Solutions Limited, the exclusive distributor of Gold Energy Snail Synergy, a Korean skincare and cosmetic brand, in Hong Kong. The company applied to run promotions on JD as the starting point. “The procedures were slightly complex, but luckily the HKTDC was on hand to help,” said Markwill Solutions Manager Man Leung.

As a beginner in the mainland e-commerce field, Mr Leung watched numerous live-streaming sessions to explore the broadcast style of KOLs, learn the industry jargon and understand the discount strategies in the mainland market. He found out that while the popular term in Hong Kong is “buy 2 get 1 free”, the mainland market uses terms such as “expected paid price”, which was completely new to him. He also became aware that a key factor in driving sales of skincare and cosmetic products is the location of consumers.

“The weather in the southern, middle and northern regions [of Mainland China] is different, as is the people’s need for cosmetics,” Mr Leung said. He also noticed that the KOLs who partnered with the brand were all from the northern regions, while customers were mainly from the northern and central regions. This made him realise the importance of the company conducting more research into how regional and seasonal factors could influence the shopping desires of customers.

Cross International Limited runs First Edible Nest, which sells dried seafood. The company had already begun exploring e-commerce, hiring KOLs to conduct live-streaming sessions in the mainland market since the pandemic in 2020. However, owing to its limited budget, the company found it hard to invite renowned KOLs to work with them. “This time, the HKTDC was able to connect us with top-tier KOLs,” said Manager Eddy Lo. During the festival period, six live-streaming sessions on Tmall and Douyin were conducted. “Two of the sessions on Tmall were excellent, generating RMB300,000 in revenue. I was pleased with the sales figures.”  

Kiu Fung Hong Limited, which sells food products such as potato chips, also achieved encouraging sales figures during the Hong Kong Shopping Festival. CEO Ellis Wong said the company had been selling its products on JD. When it came to the Hong Kong Shopping Festival in August, “comparing our average monthly orders from January to July, the August orders soared by 135 times,” he said. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the promotions run during the festival and Mr Wong said he hoped the event could be held regularly to continue the momentum. He encouraged other SMEs to participate in the next Hong Kong Shopping Festival to gain experience in how to develop the mainland market via e-commerce channels.

Promotion boost online impressions, influencers showcase Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Shopping Festival promoted online-offline integration with 10 million impressions on the Xiaohongshu platform. The Hong Kong Shopping Festival partnered with a diverse group of celebrities and influencers for engaging promotional activities, with the likes of Moses ChanGrace ChanKenneth Ma and Hu Ke adding vibrancy to the event. In addition, more than 30 renowned mainland KOLs, including Li Jiaqi and Chen Jie Kiki, conducted over 30 live-streaming e-commerce sessions on three major platforms, endorsing over 60 brands by planting seeds to boost brand awareness. Influencers also showcased Hong Kong’s cultural customs, distinctive foods and urban landscapes through offline city walks, drawing significant interest and generating discussions. Food and health supplement products garnered particular attention during the promotional campaign, reflecting the strong confidence of mainland consumers in the reputation and quality assurance of Hong Kong goods.

The Hong Kong Shopping Festival aligns with a measure in the 2023 Policy Address to assist Hong Kong’s SMEs in expanding into the Mainland China market via e-commerce channels with the slogan “Unveiling a New Lifestyle, Curated by Hong Kong“. “Unveiling a New Lifestyle” refers to launching new products in the market and the aspiration to enrich people’s lives through these products. “Curated by Hong Kong”, meanwhile, reflects the meticulously selected quality products from Hong Kong that are being made available to mainland consumers.

The first Hong Kong Shopping Festival gathered more than 230 brands, showcasing 500 products and exclusive discounts in six major categories: apparel and accessories, personal care and cosmetics, home and living, classic food, smart gadgets and health supplements. The event not only helped Hong Kong’s SMEs leverage the customer base and traffic on mainland e-commerce platforms and increase brand awareness, but also helped them gain practical experience in how to expand into the huge mainland e-commerce market.

Hong Kong Shopping Festival Website: https://bit.ly/4fR29cl

Photo download: https://bit.ly/4dUZvBd

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Media enquiries
Yuan Tung Financial Relations:
Agnes Yiu               Tel: (852) 3428 5690      Email: ayiu@yuantung.com.hk
Tiffany Leung           Tel: (852) 3428 2361      Email: tleung@yuantung.com.hk

HKTDC’s Communications & Public Affairs Department:
Katy Wong               Tel: (852) 2584 4524      Email: katy.ky.wong@hktdc.org
Sunny Ng                Tel: (852) 2584 4357      Email: sunny.sl.ng@hktdc.org

HKTDC Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com

About HKTDC
The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong’s trade. With 50 offices globally, including 13 in Mainland China, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitionsconferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.