“Our brand has gone through so many challenges together with Hong Kong – from Covid, SARS, and the financial crisis to the drought in the 1960s. So having survived through all these challenges, I think our brand represents not only the beautiful parts of Hong Kong but its struggles as well.”

Kiki’s Favourite Homegrown Brands

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Hearing Kiki Leung’s inspiring story of being the fifth-generation descendant of the renowned local umbrella brand Leung So Kee has given us a newfound appreciation for the art and craftsmanship of traditional umbrella-making. Over the years, many small local businesses have died due to the rise of mass production so when we stumble upon a brand like Leung So Kee, it is such a rarity to us. Hence, we ask Kiki what some of her favourite local brands have also had to navigate these times and have persevered in spite of these challenges. Read more now.

Lee Kum Kee

Having lived in Toronto for 5 years for school, I recall always missing the familiar taste of my family’s cooking so I would rely on the rich and delicious sauces and condiments of Lee Kum Kee to give me a taste of home. I have even seen this Hong Kong-made brand in various Korean dramas!

Lee Kung Man Textile Factory

Founded in 1923, this brand is the oldest undergarment manufacturer and retailer in Hong Kong. With decades of experience specialising in undergarments, I really admire how the brand continually evolves to create various types and styles of garments with special features that are cooling, breathable and durable. Every process is carefully crafted and the products are supplied to customers after strict inspection to the highest standard.

紅A

This plastic fabrication company in Hong Kong is always reinventing itself, expanding its ever-diverse range of household items and stationery for its customers. As a local brand, they have done very well for themselves. They are one of the few brands that still maintain its manufacturing status in Hong Kong, with its slogan being “Superior quality, Red A will do it, 100% made in Hong Kong”. I can appreciate this!

CAMEL

Established in 1940, this brand manufactures glass vacuum flasks and metal-ware. Kiki appreciates the strides the brand has taken to make its product relevant and stylish for its new generation of customers, collaborating with renowned brands and anime characters like Kuromi.

Yan Chim Kee

This beloved coconut candy brand Yan Chim Kee was established in 1915 as a street-side operation selling homemade coconut sweets and has become a household name in Hong Kong and beyond. Even though Yan Chim Kee no longer has a permanent physical store, customers can still buy its line of products online and in other supermarket chains, ranging from coconut candy treats, ice cream, coconut egg rolls, oven-baked coconut chips, and coconut juice to mango rice crackers and ginger and sea salt-flavoured snacks.

Chicks Lifestyle (雞仔嘜)

Chicks is another successful Hong Kong brand that has really served its audience, both locally and internationally, creating intimates and undergarments that have been around since the 1930s.

Nin Jiom

Known as the staple go-to cough syrup for anyone catching the flu, “Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa” is based on a century-old recipe. The company behind it is Nin Jiom, established in 1946. It has grown to become one of the leading Chinese medicine manufacturers in Hong Kong with a full range of Chinese herbal products to effectively cure colds, sore throats, coughs, fever, heatiness, and even spot-prone skin. The brand continuously evolves to be relevant and meet the needs of today’s consumers.

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