"Next time you visit, could you bring me this particular candy? I'm happy to pay for it." Recently, at a hotel in Milan, Italy, a receptionist held up a carefully preserved, slightly worn red wrapper and made this request to a Chinese tourist.
The hotel receptionist shows the tourist the wrapper of crisp candy. (Screenshot from social media platform)
A Chinese tourist shared on social media that upon checking out of Milan's Hotel Flora, the receptionist gave her a wrapper of Hsu Fu Chi crispy candy—a familiar Chinese New Year treat. He explained he had once tasted it, loved the flavor, but couldn't find it locally.
The incident has been widely circulated on social media platforms and continues to unfold. (Screenshot from social media platform)
The post quickly went viral across social media, prompting many local Chinese residents and tourists to visit the hotel and bring the receptionist packs of crispy candy. Videos shared online show the delighted receptionist raising his arms in celebration as he receives the treats. The sweet relay spanning nearly 10,000 kilometres has kept the eastern confection trending online.
The crispy candy originates from Dongguan in Guangdong Province. Produced by the well-known Chinese confectionery brand Hsu Fu Chi, the treat is a staple on many Chinese New Year tea tables. The company offers more than 700 varieties of sweets and snacks, including candies, pastries, Sachima, chocolates and jellies, evoking the "taste of Chinese New Year" for many Chinese consumers.
As the story gained traction, Hsu Fu Chi quickly responded. Cai Dianru, the company's brand general manager, said a batch of crispy candy had been prepared and would soon be sent to Milan. The company also plans to invite the hotel receptionist to tour its factory and witness the traditional sugar-pulling technique behind the candy's signature 128 flaky layers. The receptionist has accepted the invitation and is set to visit Hsu Fu Chi for an immersive, hands-on experience.
Hsu Fu Chi products are beloved and widely recognised as special purchases for Chinese New Year. (Photo: Hsu Fu Chi)
Hsu Fu Chi products are now sold in more than 60 countries and regions across North America, Europe and Africa. Ahead of the Year of the Horse, the company invested nearly 200 million yuan to expand capacity and upgrade technology. New automated production lines with a daily output of 40 tonnes will help the company meet growing global demand more efficiently.
Author | Yao Mengyin, Zheng Jiaqi, Wang Ying, Ou Yaqin
