Different Fruit and Veg Sold at Wholesale Markets in Guangzhou & Hong Kong

October 10, 2019   

Fruit and vegetable wholesale markets in Hong Kong and Guangzhou have one thing in common, that is, both have a large number of imported products. However, in Hong Kong, the quantity and variety of products are more diverse than those in Guangzhou. In wholesale markets in Guangzhou, more locally produced fruits are available compared with imported fruits, but this is not the case in Hong Kong, where fresh fruit is mostly imported because of limited local production. In addition to product ranges, business operations time also differs. In Hong Kong, most wholesale markets start the day in the middle of the night. This is mainly due to the fact that a lot of fresh produce is used in restaurants, supermarkets, and hotels who need them early in the morning, so many wholesale markets are open at night in order to be able to deliver on time.

Fruit markets
In the Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market, Hong Kong’s oldest fruit wholesale market, only 10% of the fruit comes from the mainland, with the rest is imported from other countries. There are many exotic varieties on display in this market, while fruits commonly seen in supermarkets on the mainland are not common here. This wholesale market is open during the day and night. The evening is the busiest time for people who engage in fruit wholesale. During the day, the public can visit the market to buy fruit. Due to its long history, this wholesale market is popular with tourists.

Vegetable markets
You can see more Western vegetables in vegetable wholesale markets here. Since many consumers in Hong Kong restaurants or hotels are foreigners, they prefer vegetables from their own country, so there are more imported Western vegetables on the market. Cherry tomatoes and mini sweetcorns are in evidence. In addition, restaurants are one of the most important influencers in introducing new vegetable varieties to the market. Since most consumers are not very familiar with new varieties, or not willing to try them, and do not know how to prepare them, they don’t have a strong desire to buy them. However, these vegetables are used as ingredients in restaurants and are prepared in correctly, which is a perfect way for consumers to try new vegetables, so they are likely to buy more in the future.

Wet markets
Wet markets in Hong Kong are also developing. Most wet markets are markets that sell all fresh products such as fruit and vegetables, as well as meat and fish, usually on the street. All small shops have stands on the same street to sell their products. Most of the consumers in these wet markets are elderly people. The younger generation is not as interested in these markets, and most of them consider them to be a bit dirty. Therefore, a new trend has begun. In Hong Kong, more indoor markets are being built. For example, in Fu Cheong Shopping Center, an indoor market, all fresh products can be bought. The biggest difference is that the indoor wet market looks more modern and therefore cleaner than the ones on the street, and they have attracted more young people.

By Fresh Plaza