Having climbed up Hong Kong’s food chain, this business is ready to do some good
Food export company Etak International, which grew from a small company in 1969 to a major distributor, will donate HK$150,000 to Operation Santa Claus
Hong Kong-based food import company Etak International has a charitable streak – but they don’t like to shout about it.
The business, which has its premises on Hennessy Road, Wan Chai, has been contributing to the South China Morning Post’s annual charity fundraiser Operation Santa Claus for five years. This year it will donate HK$150,000 to the campaign, which helps support 23 charities in Hong Kong.
Founded by American George Mendenhall in 1969, Etak (an anagram of his wife’s name Kate) has grown from a tiny company to major local food distributor offering more than 2,000 products, including meats, seafood, dairy, baked goods, confection, juices and fruit and vegetables.
COO John Hill said he regarded Operation Santa Claus as an important cause because of its impact at a grassroots level.
“Young and old and poor and less educated – there is a broad reach,” he said. “That is very attractive for us. We recognise the importance of doing something across the board for charities here.”
Etak distributes to all the major supermarkets in Hong Kong, as well as hotels, restaurants, clubs, caterers and other food service operators. It has more than 1,000 customers.