Companies Prioritize Consumer-first Service to Attract Both Tourists & Local Consumers

HONG KONG, April 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hong Kong tourism industry sees accelerated recovery with the number of visitors to Hong Kong reaching almost 70% of pre-pandemic levels. The Government has also planned to organise more large-scale promotional events to attract tourists. To seize the opportunities ahead, companies shall put effort on creating exceptional shopping experiences to both tourists & local consumers. GS1 Hong Kong's 13th Consumer Caring Scheme honored 85 local companies this year, in which companies are dedicated to provide consumer-first service to win the hearts and loyalty of consumers. The award presentation ceremony was held at GS1 Hong Kong's 35th Anniversary Gala Dinner.

"Consumer Caring Scheme" (the Scheme) acknowledges local companies that are committed to "consumer-centric" approach in business operations. Recognised companies can showcase the Scheme logo at stores or on promotional materials to boost consumer confidence. According to a consumer survey conducted by KANTAR Hong Kong, commissioned by GS1 Hong Kong, over 70% of consumers feel more confident in companies with "Consumer Caring Company" logos. The products & services offered by the recognized companies are closely intertwined with everyday life, encompassing various fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) that newly joined the Scheme this year. Among the award categories, the majority of them have received recognition for five consecutive years or more. (Refer to the Appendix for the Recognised Companies)

Participating companies were assessed based on 4 core principles: consumer centricity, conforming to commitment, strive for quality and caring for staff via self-assessment, interview, third-party consumer survey and field visits. In addition, GS1 Hong Kong has also taken reference to the internationally acclaimed Efficient Consumer Response (ECR) to evaluate companies' service and performance on consumer care.

To further support companies in building brand awareness, a brand new "Consumer Caring Scheme+" will be introduced this year, in which recognised companies can promote their positive brand image to the mass public via TV advertising.

Ms. Anna Lin, Chief Executive of GS1 Hong Kong said, "Large scale activities to be organised by the Government can help in attracting tourists, thereby revitalizing Hong Kong brands and stimulating sales. To capitalize on these opportunities, companies should prioritize the key elements of 'Consumer Caring Companies' to build positive brand image. The recognised companies serve as role models for the industry, demonstrating the paramount importance of service excellence & exceptional shopping experience to consumers. We hope more companies will strive to enhance their consumer service, which in turn further strengthens the competitiveness of Hong Kong brands."

Recognised as "Consumer Caring Company" for the first time, Murray Rice is dedicated to upholding customer-centric principles and making a positive impact on society. Ms Julia Chu, Business Manager of Murray Rice Company Limited, shared "Aside from sourcing high-quality rice from around the world, we prioritize food safety to ensure consumers can consume our products with peace of mind. Our online business also adheres to consumer-centric approach, ensuring efficient and timely delivery of quality products to consumers. Furthermore, we actively implement corporate social responsibility practices such as charitable rice donation program, to strike a balance between profitability and contributing to society. We are delighted to receive the 'Consumer Caring Company' recognition this year, as it strengthens our positive brand image and fosters consumer confidence in our products."

Crowned by the Scheme for over 10 years, Colgate-Palmolive (Hong Kong) has been ranked as the No. 1 oral care brand for 31 consecutive years in Hong Kong. Mr. Brad Han, General Manager of the company said, "We possess a range of patented technology worldwide, with formulas developed by research experts to cater to the diverse oral care needs of consumers and help prevent oral problems from their root causes. Our products also contain dentist-approved ingredients, assuring their product quality. We also set up experimental zones to interact with consumers, equipping them with product knowledge before making a purchase. Our customer service team also proactively responds to consumers' questions. The 'Consumer Caring Company' recognition reaffirms our unwavering commitment to prioritizing consumer care as our topmost priority."

For further information, please visit our website: https://www.gs1hk.org/zh-hk/industry-recognition/consumer-caring-scheme

Appendix -  List of Recognised Companies of Consumer Caring Scheme 2023
(in alphabetical order by brand or company name, view the company logos: https://gs1hongkong.box.com/s/j8u3g2x42qq4el5262amr053aamfpcxg)

About GS1 Hong Kong

Founded by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce in 1989, GS1 Hong Kong is the local chapter of GS1®. GS1 Hong Kong's mission is to empower businesses of their digital transformation, improve supply chain visibility and efficiency, ensure product authenticity, facilitate commerce connectivity and enable sustainable value chain through the provision of global supply chain standards (including GTIN & barcodes), and a full spectrum of platforms, solutions and services.

GS1 Hong Kong currently supports close to 8,000 corporate members from 20 sectors including retail & consumer packaged goods, food & beverage and food services, healthcare, apparel & footwear, logistics & ICT. By working closely with communities of trading partners, industry organizations, government, and technology providers, we can foster a collaborative ecosystem, paving the way for "Smarter Business, Better Life".

As a non-profit organization, GS1 develops and drives global adoption of supply chain standards. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, GS1 has over 115 national chapters in 150 countries.

Website：www.gs1hk.org