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

Summary

Egg 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.