Top Japanese confectionery retailer expands in Hong Kong

Minamoto Kitchoan, a leading retailer of Japanese confectionery, has recently opened its fourth shop in Hong Kong.

The Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong, Mr Mike Rowse, today (April 28) visited the new store at the MTR Central Station to congratulate the company on its expansion.

Minamoto Kitchoan makes traditional 'wagashi' confectionery with natural Japanese ingredients and dried fruits. The company already has three successful stores in Hong Kong, one in Tsim Sha Tsui and two in Causeway Bay.

Company President Takushi Okada said: "Hong Kong is a major economic centre in Asia. Minamoto Kitchoan aims at firmly establishing its brand name here, bringing new and imaginative desserts to the market."

The new shop in Central is part of a major expansion plan which will result in the opening of four additional outlets at Kowloon Bay, Tsing Yi, Shatin and Kowloon Tong within this year.

"Each store represents an average investment of $2 million. Minamoto Kitchoan currently employs 16 staff in Hong Kong and will hire 3 more people for its Central store, and an additional 20 for its four new outlets," Mr Takushi said.

"The company plans to enter the Mainland market around 2005 and introduce their products and culture to the Chinese people."

Mr Rowse welcomed the opening of the company's fourth shop in Hong Kong.

"Minamoto Kitchoan's plan to open five more outlets here this year reflects the remarkable receptiveness of local consumers to new products. This is also a vote of confidence in Hong Kong as the retail capital of Asia.

"The company not only offers an additional choice to local consumers and visiting tourists, but also introduces to the public at large the traditional culinary art of Japanese confectionery. This is a unique shopping experience, which adds colour and variety to the entire retail sector in Hong Kong," Mr Rowse said.

Apart from its presence in Japan and Hong Kong, the company has stores in New York, Honolulu, London, Taipei, and Singapore.

End/Monday, April 28, 2003