Hong Kong store selling strawberries individually wrapped - for HK$168 - defends its packaging
The pricey fruit - sold as Valentine’s Day gifts - was imported from Japan pre-wrapped for ‘quality protection’, supermarket chain says, and it pledges to seek a balance between packaging and hygiene amid outcry from green groups
Hong Kong supermarket City’super has defended its selling of individually packaged strawberries – at HK$168 (US$21.70) each – and explained they are being sold as Valentine’s Day gifts.
“We have noted recent customer feedback [about] the packaging and we will seek to strike a balance between packaging and food protection,” the supermarket chain said.
The chain came under fire this week when images circulated on social media showing one Kotoka strawberry in a straw nest and plastic-covered paper box with a Styrofoam “sock” being sold at its Causeway Bay outlet in Times Square.
It said the retail prices of its products are based on a number of considerations, including purchase price, transport costs, market conditions and product exclusivity.
