醉生夢死 2007-8-13 18:56
Mooncake merchants keeping costs stable
Mooncake lovers will be spared the pain of having to pay through the nose for a taste of the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival delicacy this year, even though prices of ingredient
s have rocketed as the economy has improved.
The price of a box of mooncakes will cost only between HK$10 and HK$20 more - the increases being almost the same as last year's - according to leading manufacturers.
This is partially due to stiff competition in the market and manufacturers' efforts to keep loyal customers and ensure stable revenue.
Lee Ying-kuen, manager of Wing Wah Cake Shop - one of the oldest brands in the local mooncake industry - said it "just would not take the risk" of raising prices sky high.
He said although prices of ingredients have soared by nearly 23 percent compared with last year, this year's mooncakes could not be sold at much higher prices as prices were set months ago.
"Although prices of raw materials from the mainland have gone up by a larger extent this year, we won't dare to lift mooncake prices significantly in view of very stiff competition in the market and our efforts to safeguard our customers' interests," Lee said.
Wing Wah will adopt a strategy of "small profits, quick returns" to secure stable revenue.
Although the Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on September 25, is more than a month away, bakeries have already started their sales campaigns.
Most mooncakes in Hong Kong come from the mainland, where prices for various commodities, particularly eggs, have been increasing in recent months.
In addition, the yuan has appreciated noticeably, making mainland imports more expensive.
According to Lee, this year's mooncakes will cost 4 to 9 percent more, as 90 percent of their ingredients come from the mainland.
"The cost of assorted seeds such as watermelon, sesame and lotus, has also risen - by almost 40 percent," he said.
"Our most sought-after item - a four-piece set of white lotus seed paste with two yolks - will sell for HK$248 this year compared with HK$238 last year.
"A box of Chinese ham and assorted nuts mooncakes will also cost HK$248 against HK$228 last year."
The biggest price rises bakers have to contend with are fresh eggs and preserved duck egg yolk, according to Lee Kwong-lam, assistant supervisor of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Provisions, Wine and Spirit Dealers' Association.
Lee said a carton of 360 eggs now costs HK$260-HK$280 compared with about HK$200 a year ago.
