New Zealand handmade soap company Honeybunch Handmade has opened its first own brand store in Hong Kong.

Honeybunch Handmade is a brand owned by Soap Opera Productions, which has been supplying a Mainland China retailer with products for several years. Such is the popularity of the products, that retailer has grown from a single store to more than 20.

Now the New Zealand company wants to trial marketing its products under its own brand and has chosen Hong Kong as the launchpad.

The new retail store at Aberdeen St in Central sells handmade soaps, body care products and floral bouquets. The company claims its soap and bodycare products are 100 per cent handmade, using natural ingredients from New Zealand, and infused with pure Manuka honey and goat’s milk.

MD Lisa Jolly says through the Mainland business partnership, her company gained the know-how and expertise in developing soap products that are suitable for the Chinese market.

“Therefore we decided to launch our own brand in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is an international city famous for its breadth of retail choices. It gives new brands great exposure to residents, business traders and visitors. It is the best place from which to promote our New Zealand handmade gift and floral concepts to the world,” Jolly said.

“I am impressed with Hong Kong’s fabulous logistic services. It offers exciting opportunities for us to extend our customer reach beyond Hong Kong through eCommerce. Our online store supports delivery to worldwide customers.”

Associate director-general of investment promotion, Dr Jimmy Chiang, said Soap Opera Productions has extended its business model from a manufacturer to a retailer and InvestHK  is happy the company has chosen Hong Kong as its first overseas location.