HONG KONG – African swine fever has continually plagued both Hong Kong and mainland China pig farms and caused significant price increases in pork, at one point doubling the price, according to data from the country’s Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. A local company, Hong Kong Heritage Pork, circumvents the problem with a strategy that allows it to keep the price of the pork at a reasonable level utilizing a supply chain contained within Hong Kong’s borders.

Hong Kong Heritage Pork’s business model, including 20 retail outlets spread across Hong Kong, allows it to keep the price of the pork at a reasonable level without sacrificing quality. The company said it has seen success and expects it to continue through 2021.

“We are just giving back to the supportive community," said John Lau Hon-kit, managing director of the company farm.

Lau’s farm breeds pedigree-certified British Berkshire, Danish Landrace, and Spanish Duroc pigs, all of US origin. The Berkshires are the most popular in the Hong Kong market.

Still, the primary source of Hong Kong pork remains the mainland, supplying more than 95%. Hong Kong Heritage Pork can supply the city with 30-50 pigs a day, constituting 20% of the total local pig supply in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Heritage Pork’s business model and steady sales give Lau confidence in the face of swine flu outbreaks. The company transports pigs straight from its Lau Fau Shan farm to the Sheung Shui slaughterhouse, a much shorter journey compared to mainland producers and without a middleman. The pork is then sold at one of the retail outlets, helping to produce a fresher product.

Hong Kong Heritage Pork is the only Hong Kong pig farm that seeks veterinary consultation and receives regular veterinary visits to ensure health and safety and achieve international standards. The pigs receive no antibiotics, hormones, or additives at any point and are fed with high quality, EU certified feed containing no pork products.

Lau remains certain the local pork industry will thrive, and his pigs will continue to sell well across Hong Kong in the light of the company’s continued growth.

“Pork is just as essential as rice for Chinese cooking, and a steady stream of loyal customers supports our retail business,” he added.