Hong Kong bakeries eye slice of mainland China market as faster customs clearance eases path to send croissants, egg tarts and other fresh treats
- From Tuesday next week, certain goods such as pastries and chocolate will be able to clear customs and enter mainland China without needing to wait for sample test result
- Popular chain Bakehouse and long-time operator Kee Wah Bakery hope new rules will help them deliver made-in-Hong Kong goods to hungry consumers across the border
Hong Kong bakeries selling locally made croissants, Portuguese tarts, egg rolls and biscuits are eyeing opportunities in mainland China as new customs procedures will make it easier to send their fresh, sought-after goods across the border.
Some entry barriers to the vast market will be lowered on Tuesday next week after authorities on both sides of the border agreed to allow certain Hong Kong-made food products to be released from mainland customs as soon as sampling tests were completed.
Under current rules, the goods can only move on once test results are available, which one operator said could delay clearance by a week in some cases.
The arrangement to allow faster clearance will cover non-alcoholic and non-dairy beverages, pastries, bread, confectionery and chocolates.
Hong Kong bakeries told the Post they saw the change as a good opportunity to break into the mainland market or penetrate further.
Bakehouse founder Gregoire Michaud told the Post his bakery chain had already looked into expanding across the border by assessing the different rules and regulations.