Fake Shiroi Koibito workshops busted across mainland China
SingTao · 3 SOURCESabout 8 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Counterfeit versions of Shiroi Koibito, the well-known Hokkaido confectionery souvenir, have been uncovered at multiple production sites in mainland China after assistance from relevant mainland authorities. The brand owner said the fake goods were produced in small workshops with serious food and health safety risks, and that some operators had tried to push the products onto major e-commerce platforms. The company added that no mainland Chinese e-commerce platform, auction site or second-hand trading platform has been authorized to sell the product online. Consumers were urged not to buy Shiroi Koibito online and instead use official physical retail channels.
Key Points
- Ishiya Shokuhin Co., Ltd. and Ishiya Trading Co., Ltd. said in a Weibo statement on November 10 that multiple counterfeit production sites had been busted with mainland authorities' help.
- Sing Tao reported the fake workshops were found in several mainland locations, while the company said suspects had already been subjected to compulsory legal measures.
- The investigation found the counterfeit biscuits came from small workshops with serious food safety and health hazards, as well as worrying storage hygiene conditions.
- The producer said the counterfeiters had attempted to sell large volumes through major e-commerce platforms to deceive consumers, especially around the Singles' Day shopping period.
- The company said it has not authorized any online sales in mainland China, including on e-commerce, auction or second-hand platforms, and advised purchases only at official physical stores.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong travellers and gift buyers, the case is a reminder that popular Japanese souvenirs can be counterfeited before reaching online shoppers, creating both quality and food-safety risks. It also means consumers who see Shiroi Koibito offered through mainland online channels should treat those listings with caution because the producer says no such online authorization exists.