The Only Way is Up

Being Neighbourly x Terence Hon, GreenPrice

Author/ Being Neighbourly
12 December 2025

In today’s Hong Kong, where sustainability is becoming more urgent and economic pressures are rising, GreenPrice offers a smart, ethical, and budget-friendly shopping alternative, says Terence Hon, Co-founder of GreenPrice and Head of Retail. The company’s unique proposition is selling products that are close to or just past their ‘Best before’ dates — at deep discounts — while ensuring they are still safe, high-quality and desirable. It diverts an estimated 2.5 million products from the landfill every year since the inception of the first shops in 2016.

“Consumers are increasingly aware of environmental issues, and GreenPrice gives them a tangible way to make a difference with their everyday purchases,” Hon explains.

GreenPrice was founded on the realisation that a huge amount of food and consumer products were being wasted due to approaching or slightly passed ‘Best before’ dates — even though they were still perfectly safe to consume.

Hon says he was driven by a combination of personal passion for sustainability and frustration over the inefficiencies in the retail and food industries. He teamed up with like-minded friends and partners who shared the same vision and the rest is proverbial history.

“I realized there was a gap in the Hong Kong market for a solution that could address both food waste and affordability. GreenPrice was created to tackle these issues head-on: to reduce waste, raise awareness, and offer consumers more sustainable choices,” shares Hon.

Initially, Hon says, the company focused on packaged food items. But, over time, they have expanded into beverages, personal care products, household goods and even pet food.

“We source our inventory directly from manufacturers, distributors, and retailers who have surplus, short-dated, or past ‘Best before’ goods,” says Hon, adding that many of these companies are looking for responsible ways to offload products without resorting to destruction or landfill. We work hand-in-hand with them to ensure a continuous and varied supply, maintaining quality control at every step.

“Today, our workforce is made up of a dynamic and diverse team — from logistics specialists and retail staff to marketing experts and sustainability advocates. Many of our team members are young professionals, who are passionate about environmental issues and innovation. We foster a culture of openness, creativity, and impact-driven work,” he says.

Looking ahead, Hon foresees GreenPrice moving into even broader categories — including organic goods, health supplements and eco-friendly home products.

“As consumer awareness grows, demand for sustainable and affordable options will only increase, and we want to stay ahead by offering even more variety,” he says.

However, the Co-founder adds that one of their biggest challenges remains changing consumer perception. “Many people still instinctively distrust products near or past their ‘Best before” date, not fully understanding the difference between ‘Best before’ and ‘Use-by’ dates. Education is key.”

According to him, another challenge is scaling up, while maintaining their core mission and values, “As we grow, it’s critical that we don’t lose sight of why we started.”

However, notwithstanding the difficulties, Hon believes GreenPrice will continue to expand — both in Hong Kong and potentially into other Asian cities. “I see us becoming a leading voice for sustainable consumption and a new model for retail,” he says.

What’s the best work advice you have received?

“The best career advice I received was from one of my early mentors, who told me: ‘Solve a real problem, and success will follow’,” says Terence Hon, Co-founder of GreenPrice and Head of Retail.

“It sounds simple, but it’s powerful. Instead of chasing trends or copying others, focus on real-world issues and build solutions around them. That’s what led to the founding of GreenPrice, and it’s a principle I still live by today.”

Green Price Limited
1601, 16/F, Two Harbour Square, 180 Wai Yip Street, Kwun Tong, HK