***********************************************************
ABC Cooking Studio International Ltd announced today (July 25) that its second Hong Kong outlet has opened at PMQ (the former Police Married Quarters), as the group follows a fast-growth track in the Asia-Pacific region.
The stylish studio at PMQ comes hot on the heels of the group's first at K11 in Tsim Sha Tsui last November, and a Taipei outlet that opened in May 2014. All feature the studio's eye-catching and sleek interior designs.
Founder and Director of ABC Cooking Studio International Ltd Mr Hiroyuki Yokoi said that the "fun and enjoyable" cooking experience has set the brand apart from rival studios in Japan, and put it on a fast track to regional expansion.
"In roughly six months, we have attracted over 1,400 members in Hong Kong. The most important thing is to offer fun and enjoyable lessons in a friendly and casual environment. We want every student to take home not just their cooking skills and the food they make here but also their happiness to share with friends and relatives," Mr Yokoi said.
"Hong Kong will be a base for us to expand our overseas business. Everything is very convenient here. If you want to develop your Asian business, you need to set up in Hong Kong," he said.
The group is planning to open more studios with a retail business in Hong Kong, as well as branches in Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Mr Andrew Davis said that ABC Cooking Studio's organic growth in Hong Kong shows that the city is an easy platform for regional business expansion. "ABC Cooking Studio is growing very fast in Hong Kong. Part of the reason is that it has a very strong brand from Japan. But it also shows the dynamism of Hong Kong's market where companies with good business models can grow quickly,กจ Mr Davis said.
About ABC Cooking Studio
ABC Cooking Studio was founded in 1987. It is based in Tokyo and operates over 130 studios in Japan which offer a more casual and friendly environment where people can enjoy themselves while learning how to cook delicious and sophisticated food. In Hong Kong, it provides new services, including the first ever parent-child lessons and wagashi lessons, and a dedicated showroom showcasing Japanese kitchenware to its members. For more information, please visit abc-cooking.com.hk .
About Invest Hong Kong
Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) is the department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government established in July 2000 to take responsibility for foreign direct investment and support overseas and Mainland businesses to set up or expand in Hong Kong. It provides free advice and customised services to help businesses succeed in Hong Kong's vibrant economy. As of June 2014, InvestHK had completed over 3 300 investment projects creating more than 36 400 new jobs in the first year of operation or expansion and over HK$88 billion of investment. For more information, please visit www.investhk.gov.hk.
For event photos, please visit: www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/sets/72157645475118760/ .
Ends/Friday, July 25, 2014
Issued at HKT 11:00
NNNN