Companies across multiple sectors are recognised by the Scheme this year, in which over half of them are from food & beverage, household or pets products & services, beauty & personal care. Close to 70% of the recognized companies have been awarded for 5 years or above - 29 companies have been crowned for 10 years or more, 32 companies have been crowned with the "5 Years+" or "5 Years" recognition, demonstrating their long-standing commitment to consumer-first service. Well-established food & beverage and retail companies have also joined the Scheme this year, which further affirms the Scheme as a recognition widely acknowledged by multiple industries. (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.

Anna Lin, Chief Executive of GS1 Hong Kong said, "Though the pandemic has driven people to shop online more often, physical retail is still important. Our joint survey with KPMG China & HSBC[1] revealed that over 80% interviewees cannot live without physical retail stores, whereas close to 30% of retailers consider integration between physical and online stores their priority. We are glad that many 'consumer caring companies' have been providing consumer-centric services in both online and physical channels – on online channels, they instantly respond to consumers' request, whereas on physical channels, they provide new, immersive and diversified shopping experience, offer professional suggestions or launch new retail concept stores, etc. More encouragingly, a significant number of companies have continuously pursued consumer centricity and joined 'Consumer Caring Scheme' consecutively over the years to advocate their product & service excellence. This will ultimately strengthen the reputation of Hong Kong brands."

Joining the Scheme for the first time, Tai Hing Catering Group is one of the recognised companies this year. Ms. Jo Jo Chan, Executive Director of the Group shared, "Our Group values both customers & employees. With our people-oriented and customer-centric approaches, we offer exceptional dining experience to customers; We also respond to customers' feedback on social media platforms instantly to strengthen mutual communication & interaction. To protect our employees, automated equipment & machines are deployed to avoid chronic injuries, occupational accidents and ensure product quality. 'Consumer Caring Company' recognition reassures our service commitment and motivates us to continue providing customers with unmatched service excellence."

Crowned as "Consumer Caring Company" for 10 consecutive years, Health Aims Organic Functional Products Specialty Shop is dedicated to providing professional service. Mr. Duncan Ko, Managing Director & Founder of the company said, "We always strive for excellence in product quality & service. Our organic food products are certified by accredited organisations, with product details listed clearly to protect consumers. We also make sure staff are knowledgeable of product functions & usage, so they can understand consumers and offer professional advice that meet their needs. We feel grateful to be honored with 'Consumer Caring Company' recognition for years, which helps propel our business forward with higher level of professionalism and service for consumers."

Please visit our website for details of GS1 Hong Kong's Consumer Caring Scheme：https://www.gs1hk.org/zh-hk/industry-recognition/consumer-caring-scheme^[2]

Appendix - List of Recognised Companies of Consumer Caring Scheme (in alphabetical order by brand or company name, please click here to view the company logos^[3])

Hashtag: #GS1HongKong

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

References

1. ^{^} Media OutReach (www.media-outreach.com)
2. ^{^} https://www.gs1hk.org/zh-hk/industry-recognition/consumer-caring-scheme (www.gs1hk.org)
3. ^{^} please click here to view the company logos (gs1hongkong.box.com)