According to the results, the ‘made in China’ brand has suffered a significant setback, with 38 per cent of Hong Kong consumers found to have reduced their purchases of China-made products, with the toy and food sectors the worst affected.
CSR Asia found that 62 per cent of respondents had become less confident in the safety of food produced in China, while 42 per cent noted lower levels of confidence in toys assembled on the mainland, especially after the high-profile Mattel toy recall issue.
According to CSR Asia research leader Richard Welford, the toy industry had been particularly affected, with child-related issues attracting a high level of media attention.
But the biggest concern emerged in the food and drinks sector, following the discovery of carcinogenic dyes in eggs and freshwater fish from the mainland, along with diethylene glycol in toothpaste, among others.
“The results show that the public is increasingly concerned about product safety,” said Welford.
“But the message is clear - although there are consumer concerns, there are also business opportunities (for companies) if safety concerns are taken seriously,” he added.
The study found that an overwhelming majority, 83 per cent, were willing to pay higher prices for products which guaranteed safety and quality.
Of that figure, 23 per cent of respondents stated they were happy to pay a 20 per cent or more for safe products.
