The food industry has always been extremely competitive and, to stand out in the traditional Chinese food market, companies need to find a winning formula that combines good products, effective marketing strategies and modern management techniques.
That is what John Choi Wong-hoe, managing director of Ocean Empire International, a restaurant chain specialising in Chinese congee and pastries, has come up with - after some twists and turns along the road to success.
'There is always a market for traditional Chinese food among Chinese consumers. But it's clear that food trends have evolved through the years to catch up with the fast-paced economic development and ever-changing customer demands,' said Mr Choi, who grew up in a family that ran a small congee shop.
'My family taught me life would not be complete without a well-paid job, a posh car, a beautiful wife, a big house and a lovely child, but I wanted more,' he said, adding that his real dream and 'ultimate career goal' was to run his own business.
After graduating from the Chinese University, Mr Choi worked as a secondary physics teacher for two years. But, prompted by his entrepreneurial ambitions, he left education and started his own business in leather goods and logistics in the 1980s.
Before long, observing the success of McDonald's, he began to realise that he could apply the same business model to a chain of Chinese congee restaurants. 'My family was in the congee business, so my upbringing helped me tremendously when I ventured into the business,' said Mr Choi, who went about developing a strong brand for his congee business.