CHINA. China Duty Free Group (CDFG) has introduced its first cultural and creative product series, the ‘Foodie Dim Sum’ plush toy collection, to its Duty Zero by cdf stores at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
The travel retailer said the innovation “blends the vibrant local dim sum culture with international fashion” and rides on the wider global plush toy trend adopted by fashion icons, celebrities and sports stars.
CDFG explained in a statement that the product name 福記 originates from a phonetic play on the English word ‘Foodie’, while echoing the auspicious Chinese character 福 (fortune) and the traditional Cantonese shop suffix 記.
The company added: “This clever combination highlights Hong Kong’s East-meets-West cultural identity. Dim sum, directly recognised worldwide by its Cantonese name, is a culinary icon of Canton yum cha culture and a must-try for visitors. By launching ‘Foodie Dim Sum’ at key tourist destinations, CDFG leverages international familiarity with the term while enhancing global appeal.”
The collection presents ten characters inspired by popular Cantonese dim sum and snacks, each packed in delicately-designed steamer-shaped boxes. These include: Char Siu Bao (Barbecue Pork Bun), Siu Mai, Har Gow (Shrimp Dumpling), Longevity Peach Bun (Birthday Bun), Sticky Rice, Beef Ball, Pu’er Tea, Radish Roll, Egg Tart and Pineapple Bun.
Each plush features a different facial expression, background story and distinct personality, said CDFG. Each item is crafted with soft fabrics and comes with a metal spring hook, allowing easy styling with outfits or accessories.
They are available in three sizes—Large (HK$98), Medium (HK$78), and Small (HK$58)—in Cantonese nicknamed respectively ‘big dim’, ‘mid dim’ and ‘small dim’ (a playful riff on dim sum). Or customers can choose the complete set of ten for HK$799.
In the first phase, the goods are only available at Duty Zero by cdf stores at HKIA (departures and arrivals), showcased in a retro Cantonese restaurant setting.
CDFG said travellers can enjoy an immersive shopping experience by ordering from dim sum menus, exploring a playful ‘steaming’ process and choosing from a dim sum trolley — allowing them to “combine souvenir shopping with interactive fun and photo-worthy moments”.
Other stores will soon offer the merchandise, including cdf Macau Rua Nova, cdf Adora Mediterranea Duty Free Cruise Shop, cdf Astro Ocean Piano Land Duty Free Cruise Shop and cdf Adora Magic City Duty Free Cruise Shop.
