The Story of Vitasoy 維他奶的故事: From One Man Soy-milk Delivery to Multinational Beverage Giant

Egg Tarts

5 Nov 202009:15

Summary

TLDREgg Tarts, a project about Hong Kong culture, covers its history and traditions through short, engaging episodes. The first episode introduces the iconic Vitasoy, a household name in Hong Kong. The story follows founder K.S. Lo, who started the soy milk company in 1940 to combat malnutrition during wartime. Despite initial struggles, Vitasoy grew into a global brand, thanks to innovation and perseverance. Lo's legacy continues today as Vitasoy remains a symbol of Hong Kong culture, beloved by locals and recognized worldwide.

Takeaways

🥚 Egg Tarts is a project dedicated to exploring Hong Kong's culture, covering topics from history to modern times.
🏙️ The show plans to explore Hong Kong’s evolution, from ancient times to skyscrapers, food, music, and notable figures.
🍶 Vitasoy, a household name in Hong Kong, started as a small soy milk delivery service and grew into a multinational company.
👨‍🎓 Vitasoy's founder, Lo Kwee Seong, was inspired by the nutritional value of soybeans during a refugee crisis in 1930s Hong Kong.
💡 Lo aimed to provide affordable nutrition to the masses, founding Hong Kong Soya Bean Products Company in 1940 with a mission to make soy milk accessible.
💥 Vitasoy faced early struggles due to public perception of soybeans and spoilage issues during hot weather, compounded by war in 1941.
🌱 After the war, Vitasoy relaunched with added vitamins and extended its reach through retailers, gaining popularity by the 1950s.
📈 The invention of sterilized capped bottles in 1953 improved Vitasoy’s shelf life, leading to a rapid increase in sales across Hong Kong.
📦 In 1976, Vitasoy introduced paper cartons, revolutionizing its packaging and reducing costs, leading to a significant recovery and growth.
🌍 By the 1980s, Vitasoy had become a symbol of Hong Kong culture, expanding internationally and remaining a staple of the city's identity.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the 'Egg Tarts' project?
-The 'Egg Tarts' project aims to explore and share various aspects of Hong Kong's culture and history, from ancient times to the present day, making the information accessible and enjoyable for listeners.
What are some of the topics that 'Egg Tarts' covers?
-'Egg Tarts' covers a wide range of topics, including ancient artifacts, Hong Kong's skyscrapers, influential figures, street food, and Cantonese pop music.
How did Vitasoy initially begin, and what inspired its founder?
-Vitasoy was founded by Lo Kwee-Seong, who was inspired to create affordable soy milk to help refugees suffering from malnutrition in Hong Kong. He learned about soybeans' nutritional value while working for a company after graduating from the University of Hong Kong.
What was the original mission of Vitasoy when it was founded in 1940?
-The original mission of Vitasoy was to provide a nutritious and affordable milk alternative for the masses, especially targeting low-income individuals with what Lo called 'the poor man’s milk.'
What challenges did Vitasoy face in its early years?
-In its early years, Vitasoy faced financial losses, public perception that soybeans were a food for the lower class, rapid spoilage of the product in hot weather, and disruptions from World War II when Japan invaded Hong Kong.
How did Lo Kwee-Seong continue his soy milk business during the Japanese occupation?
-During the Japanese occupation, Lo moved to Lingshan, where he opened a small café selling soy milk and other products. His café became popular with the locals, allowing him to support his family.
What significant change did Vitasoy make in 1953 that improved its sales?
-In 1953, Vitasoy improved the shelf life of its soy milk by selling it in capped bottles, which helped increase sales by making the product last longer on shelves and reducing spoilage.
How did Vitasoy overcome setbacks during the 1970s, such as the oil crisis?
-In response to setbacks like the oil crisis, Vitasoy adopted innovative packaging, switching to paper cartons in 1976. This reduced costs and made the drinks easier to store and transport, helping the company recover financially.
How did Winston Lo contribute to Vitasoy's recovery and success?
-Winston Lo, the founder’s son, introduced paper cartons to Vitasoy’s packaging, which reduced costs, increased convenience, and helped the company bounce back from financial difficulties. He eventually became the company president in 1978.
How has Vitasoy become a symbol of Hong Kong culture?
-Over the years, Vitasoy has grown into a beloved brand, especially popular among Hong Kongers, and is now widely recognized as a staple beverage. Its association with the city’s history and people has cemented its place as part of Hong Kong's cultural identity.

Outlines

00:00

🍮 Introduction to 'Egg Tarts' and the Essence of Hong Kong Culture

The episode begins by introducing 'Egg Tarts,' a project focused on exploring Hong Kong's rich culture. The hosts share their passion for uncovering various facets of Hong Kong, from ancient history to modern-day trends, such as architecture, music, and food. The goal is to offer short, engaging stories that capture the essence of Hong Kong, likened to an egg tart—a small, delightful treat that can be enjoyed during commutes or leisure time.

05:02

🥛 The Birth of Vitasoy: Origins of a Hong Kong Icon

The first episode delves into the origins of Vitasoy, a household name in Hong Kong. It recounts how Vitasoy drinks, recognizable in cartons and glass bottles, have become an integral part of Hong Kong's culture since their inception in 1940. The story traces back to 1935 when a young man named Lo Kwee-seong, inspired by the nutritional value of soybeans, began producing soy milk to combat malnutrition among refugees during the war. His efforts led to the creation of the Hong Kong Soya Bean Products Company, with the mission of making affordable, nutritious food for the masses.

💡 Early Struggles: The Challenges of Vitasoy's Initial Years

The early years of Vitasoy were marked by significant challenges. Despite Lo’s efforts to make soy milk a staple for the poor, the initial product failed to gain traction due to high costs, cultural resistance, and spoilage issues in the hot weather. By August 1941, the company faced severe financial losses, and with the onset of World War II, the situation worsened. Lo closed the company to avoid Japanese control during the occupation of Hong Kong, temporarily relocating to Lingshan, where he continued producing soy milk with great success.

📈 Post-War Revival and Innovation at Vitasoy

After World War II, Lo returned to Hong Kong and revived Vitasoy, introducing fortified soy milk with added vitamins. The company improved its distribution strategy, shifting from door-to-door delivery to widespread retail availability. In 1953, the introduction of capped bottles with extended shelf life significantly boosted sales, allowing Vitasoy to penetrate more markets across Hong Kong. The product gained immense popularity, and by the late 1950s, Vitasoy was thriving, introducing new flavors and becoming a major player in Hong Kong's beverage market.

🛠 Innovation Amid Setbacks: Winston Lo and the Paper Carton Revolution

Despite its success in the 1960s, Vitasoy faced several setbacks in the 1970s, including failed ventures and rising production costs due to the oil crisis. In a bid to save the company, Lo's son, Winston, was promoted to vice president and introduced paper carton packaging in 1976, revolutionizing the industry. The carton packaging proved to be cheaper, more convenient, and better for distribution, helping the company recover and return to profitability. Winston's innovations modernized Vitasoy and cemented its place in the market.

🌍 Global Expansion and Cultural Symbolism of Vitasoy

Under the leadership of Winston Lo, Vitasoy continued to grow throughout the 70s and 80s, becoming a cultural symbol in Hong Kong. The company expanded its reach into mainland China, playing a role in China’s economic reforms, and helped local industries develop. Vitasoy drinks became synonymous with Hong Kong culture, evolving from a humble drink for the masses into a beloved brand recognized worldwide. Lo Kwee-seong’s legacy lives on, as Vitasoy remains a key part of the Hong Kong identity, enjoyed by people around the globe.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Vitasoy

Vitasoy is a popular soy milk brand that originated in Hong Kong in 1940. The brand is central to the video as it traces the growth of Vitasoy from a small, local venture to a global company. The drink, initially intended as an affordable source of nutrition for the masses, became a household name and symbol of Hong Kong's culture. The story of Vitasoy reflects the entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability of Hong Kong.

💡Soy milk

Soy milk is a key product around which the narrative of Vitasoy is built. Introduced as a nutritious and affordable alternative to dairy milk, soy milk played a crucial role in addressing malnutrition among refugees in Hong Kong during the 1940s. The video's theme highlights soy milk's transformation from a humble solution for the poor to a staple product representing Hong Kong’s identity.

💡Hong Kong

Hong Kong serves as both the geographical and cultural backdrop of the video. The video explores how Vitasoy developed in this British colony, from addressing post-war nutritional needs to becoming a modern symbol of Hong Kong's entrepreneurial spirit. The historical context of Hong Kong's economic and social changes is vital to understanding the evolution of the company and its impact on the local community.

💡Nutritional value

The term 'nutritional value' is central to the video’s discussion of soybeans and their importance during times of food scarcity. The founder of Vitasoy, Lo Kwee Seong, recognized the nutritional benefits of soy milk and used it to combat malnutrition during a refugee crisis. The video emphasizes how providing accessible and nutritious food to the public was a founding mission of Vitasoy.

💡British colony

Hong Kong’s status as a British colony during the early 20th century provides important historical context in the video. The colonial era is crucial to understanding the challenges and opportunities faced by local entrepreneurs like Lo Kwee Seong, who founded Vitasoy. The video traces how the company navigated the political and economic landscape of colonial Hong Kong, especially during and after World War II.

💡Lo Kwee Seong

Lo Kwee Seong is the founder of Vitasoy and a central figure in the video. His vision of creating affordable, nutritious soy milk to help improve public health in Hong Kong during the 1940s laid the foundation for the company. The video narrates his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful entrepreneur and cultural icon in Hong Kong.

💡Malnutrition

Malnutrition is highlighted in the video as a major problem in Hong Kong during the 1930s and 1940s, especially among refugees. The need to combat this issue inspired Lo Kwee Seong to produce soy milk, which was both affordable and nutritious. The concept of malnutrition underscores Vitasoy's original mission to provide a 'poor man’s milk' to those in need.

💡World War II

World War II plays a pivotal role in the history of Vitasoy as it led to the closure of the company when Japan invaded Hong Kong. The war caused significant disruptions in the city's economy, and Lo Kwee Seong temporarily relocated. The video shows how the war impacted not only the company but also Hong Kong society, setting the stage for Vitasoy’s post-war resurgence.

💡Paper cartons

Paper cartons were introduced by Vitasoy in 1976, revolutionizing the way their soy milk was packaged. This innovation marked a turning point for the company, allowing the drink to be more easily distributed and preserved. The video emphasizes how the adoption of paper cartons helped Vitasoy overcome previous challenges with glass bottle packaging, boosting sales and market presence.

💡Hong Kong culture

Hong Kong culture is a recurring theme in the video, as Vitasoy is described as an integral part of it. The drink has become a cultural icon, symbolizing the resilience and innovation of Hong Kong. From being a nutritional necessity to a beloved soft drink, Vitasoy's journey mirrors the broader cultural evolution of Hong Kong itself.

Highlights

Introduction to the project 'Egg Tarts' that focuses on Hong Kong culture and history, from ancient artifacts to modern skyscrapers.

'Egg Tarts' is designed as short, digestible stories about Hong Kong, perfect for daily commutes or relaxing afternoons.

The episode begins with a discussion about Vitasoy, a household name in Hong Kong, and how it evolved from a small soy milk delivery service into a global brand.

Vitasoy was founded by Qui Seung Lo in 1940, inspired by the need to provide affordable, nutritious food to Hong Kong's poor.

Qui Seung Lo learned about the nutritional value of soybeans from an American ambassador, which led him to produce soy milk for malnourished refugees during the war between China and Japan.

Lo’s first factory opened in Causeway Bay in 1940, with the mission to sell soy milk as the 'poor man’s milk.'

Despite its noble intent, Vitasoy initially struggled with high production costs, social stigma around soybeans, and rapid spoilage in Hong Kong's hot climate.

In December 1941, the Pacific War forced Lo to close his factory, but he continued selling soy milk in mainland China, where it was a success.

After World War II, Lo reopened Vitasoy in Hong Kong and improved the product by adding vitamins and expanding its distribution network.

By 1953, Vitasoy solved its spoilage issue by developing a way to sell the drink in capped bottles, leading to a surge in sales.

In 1976, Vitasoy was the first Hong Kong beverage company to use paper cartons, revolutionizing its packaging, reducing costs, and regaining profitability.

Winston Lo, Qui Seung Lo's son, played a key role in modernizing Vitasoy's packaging and leading the company through tough economic times in the 1970s.

By the 1980s, Vitasoy had become a household name in Hong Kong, symbolizing the city’s identity and cultural heritage.

Vitasoy helped invest in companies in mainland China during its economic liberalization, even assisting competitors like Guaming Dairy Farm.

Qui Seung Lo passed away in 1995, but his legacy lives on through Vitasoy, which remains an essential part of Hong Kong culture and is now a global brand.