Some major food and catering companies in Hong Kong recorded double-digit growth during the week-long National Day celebration after offering discounts of up to 30 per cent, sector leaders said on Thursday, as they called for expanding promotions to cover more businesses next year.

Lawmaker Tommy Cheung Yu-yan, who represents the sector in the legislature, said he received positive feedback from the 3,661 restaurants, cafes, supermarkets and convenience stores that rolled out deals during the October 1 to 7 holiday.

Baked goods chains Maxim’s Cakes and Arome Bakery reported double-digit growth during the holiday compared with the previous week, Cheung said.

“I couldn’t dream that we would have this result this year compared to what we did last year,” he said. “So this is more than I expected.”

Similar to previous National Day holidays, Cheung brought major food and beverage players together for the promotional campaign, but this year also convinced other businesses to take part for the first time, including the three dominant supermarket companies – Wellcome, ParknShop and City’super – and convenience store chains Circle K and 7-Eleven.

Tommy Leung, operations controller of 7-Eleven, said some signature local foods it prepared hot caught the attention of tourists and the company was pleased with its double-digit growth in sales.

Cheung said tourists from mainland China seemed to be surprised by the celebratory atmosphere in the city. Residents also told him the discounts were attractive enough to convince them to stay and spend in the city rather than head over the border, he said.