From the ubiquitous soy milk in every convenience store to the sizzling pepper steaks served in bustling fast-food halls, the Lo family has discreetly shaped the palate of Hong Kong for nearly a century. While Vitasoy, Café de Coral, and Fairwood compete for market share today, many residents are unaware that these three iconic local brands share a common lineage. Founded by brothers Lo Kwee-seong, Lo Tang-seong, and Lo Fong-seong, this trio of companies represents a remarkable journey from humble Hakka roots to the pinnacle of the city’s culinary industry.
From Humble Beginnings to University Halls
The narrative began with Lo Chun-hing, a Hakka man from Guangdong who sought a better life in Malaysia during the late Qing Dynasty. While working for the prestigious Eu Yan Sang company, his diligence earned the respect of the owner, Eu Tong Sen. In a generous turn of fate, Eu sponsored Lo’s seven sons to attend the University of Hong Kong. This education became the catalyst for a business dynasty.
Vitasoy: Born of Necessity
The eldest, Lo Kwee-seong, was the family’s first university graduate. Inspired by a lecture on soy nutrition in 1936, he envisioned a way to provide affordable protein to the malnourished population of war-era Hong Kong. In 1940, he founded the Hong Kong Soya Bean Products Co., Ltd. His creation, Vitasoy, became a staple of public health, proving that a simple bean could sustain a nation and launch a global beverage brand.
Redefining the “Fast Food” Culture
After decades working within the family soy business, the younger brothers forged their own paths:
- Café de Coral (1968): Founded by Lo Tang-seong, the brand debuted in Causeway Bay. It revolutionized Hong Kong dining by introducing the self-service model. In an era of traditional teahouses and sit-down dai pai dongs, Tang-seong catered to the emerging white-collar class who valued efficiency and “half-East, half-West” menus. It eventually became the first catering group to list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
- Fairwood (1972): Following his brother’s lead, Lo Fong-seong established Fairwood four years later. While it initially mirrored Café de Coral’s success through aggressive advertising and central food processing, the 1990s brought significant hurdles. Facing a five-year streak of losses and a tarnished quality reputation, the brand underwent a massive 2003 rebranding initiative. The overhaul of its orange jumping-man logo and interior aesthetics successfully recaptured the younger demographic.
Competitive Spirit, Shared Philosophy
Despite the intense rivalry between their restaurant chains, the Lo brothers maintained a philosophy of self-reliance. Lo Tang-seong famously noted that he took pride in the family’s three listed companies, comparing their competition to two sports teams striving to play their best game. He emphasized that while they shared a lineage and a sharp “business mind,” their respective empires were built on individual grit rather than inherited wealth.
Today, the Lo family’s legacy serves as a blueprint for Hong Kong’s entrepreneurial spirit. Their transition from a migrant family to masters of the “Big Three” food brands underscores a vital lesson: innovation and adaptation are the true ingredients of longevity in the world’s most competitive food city.