HONG KONG, CHINA - MediaOutReach - 28 August 2020 - The 10^th "ConsumerCaring Scheme" organised by GS1 Hong Kongis now open for applications. Hong Kong companies from all trades are cordiallyinvited to apply before the closing date 30^th September 2020. The judging criteria forthis year has been revised taken account into the latest situation, with focuson four aspects: "Consumer Centric", "Strive for Quality", "Keeping Promises"and "Care for Employee".

Asthe local retail sales continues to plunge, Peter Shiu, Legislative Councilor forthe Wholesale and Retail functional constituency, said besidesrelying on the support from the Government, property developers or major landlords,the industry must also be proactive in times of adversity. "While Hong KongGovernment needs to revitalize the market after the epidemic, SMEs must also becustomer-centric and transform to address the latest trends in the consumptionmarket. Providing seamless, quality service in both physical and digitalworlds, and the tenacity to improvement, are vital to navigate through thecrisis. I hope the industry can capitalise on technology to their tradition, todrive Hong Kong forward to the next generation of economy."

Apartfrom discounts, premium service quality is also key to customers' loyalty andrepeat purchase, especially in the beleaguered market. CATALO, a leading healthsupplement brand in Hong Kong, agreed with the notion and planned to join theConsumer Caring Scheme 2020. "We know integrating online and offline experiencefor consumers is important, so we put QR codes next to every product in our retailstores to provide detailed product information and let shoppers to easily shoponline. They can also use Whatsapp and mini-program in WeChat to buy ourproducts or contact our customer service." said Canace Lin, Chief MarketingOfficer and Executive Director. "The Consumer Care Award keeps reminding us toput consumer and employees at the centre of what we do, and make continuousimprovement to stay competitive in the market." (Video of CATALO's interview: https://bit.ly/31y13hN)

Steppedinto the Scheme 10^th edition, over 150 local enterprises have beenawarded as "Consumer Caring Company". The judging criteria are fine-tuned asfollows:

1.  ConsumerCentric: Foster a positive experience at every stage of the consumerjourney

2.  Strivefor Quality: Enhance process, product and service quality byon-going improvement

3.  KeepingPromises: Demonstrate service commitment to gain consumers'confidence & trust

4.  Carefor Employee: Provide employees a friendly and supportive workingenvironment with trust & respect

The scheme aims to encourage local enterprises to commit to the belief"Customer for Life", through making continuous improvement on products,services and processes to build consumer confidence and thus nurture theirretention. Endorsed companies will be entitled to use the "Consumer Caring"logo in marketing materials, with a commendation certificate or trophy. Schemedetails, application and leaflet can be viewed and downloaded on GS1 HK'swebsite: https://www.gs1hk.org/industry-recognition/consumer-caring-scheme/overview.

"I'm very glad to see the Scheme entering its 10^th edition.It has been supported by a wide array of industries, from food and food service,pharmaceuticals and health products, business and professional services,information and communication technology, entertainment and travel services to retail,"said Anna Lin, Chief Executive of GS1 Hong Kong. "To stand strong in thecurrent market, local enterprises must demonstrate excellence in consumer careand deliver services promises. 'Consumer Caring Company' is a solid seal to acompany's quality, helping to increase customer loyalty and business to emergestronger."

About GS1 Hong Kong

Foundedby the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce in 1989, GS1 Hong Kong is thelocal chapter of GS1®, a not-for-profit, standards organisation that developsand drives adoption of easy-to-implement global standards for business touniquely identify, accurately capture and automatically share vital informationabout products, locations and assets. Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, GS1has over 110 national chapters in 150 countries.

GS1Hong Kong's mission is to empower business to grow and to improve efficiency,safety, authenticity and sustainability across multiple sectors and facilitatescommerce connectivity through the provision of a full spectrum of platforms,solutions and services based on our global standards. We provide a trustedfoundation for accurate, sharable, searchable and linkable data. Our EPCstandard lays the foundation for IoT, powering a range of IoT-based servicesand applications. We are helping industry to meet the challenges ofomni-channel commerce and create a seamless customer experience. By engagingwith communities of trading partners, industry organisations, government, andtechnology providers, we are fostering a collaborative ecosystem and aiming for"Smarter Business, Better Life".

Currently,GS1 Hong Kong has around 8,000 corporate members covering close to 20industries including retail consumer goods, food and food services, healthcare,apparel, logistics as well as information and technology.

Formore information about GS1 Hong Kong, please visit www.gs1hk.org.