Hong Kong brands that rose hand in hand with the city over generations
From the 100-year-old Garden Bakery to TikTok-fave Twemco, these brands tell the story of the city’s evolution into a major metropolis
Red A, Garden Bakery, Lee Kung Man: these are just a few of the many recognisable Hong Kong heritage brands that tell the story of how the former British colony evolved into the major international metropolis it is today.
We take a look at how these brands, as well as several others, have been a part of that momentous history.
Early colonial growth spurt
The former Hong Kong International Airport, commonly known as Kai Tak Airport, opened in Kai Tak in 1925 and helped transform the British colony from an unknown port town into a global hub.
The city’s population rose from 530,000 in 1916 to 725,000 that year, and while most of that growing population was made up of ethnic Chinese, society was largely racially segregated. Western brands were highly sought after but often unattainable as they were usually too expensive for locals who mostly worked in menial labour.
