Macau Food Festival closes with stronger sales

The 25th Macau Food Festival concluded on Sunday after a 17-day run at Sai Van Lake Square, drawing steady crowds through its final evening.

Vendors reported brisk business as residents and tourists queued for snacks, desserts, and specialty dishes, keeping the venue lively until closing, the Times observed.

According to the organizing committee, overall sales grew by roughly 30% compared with last year, with some booths reporting double their usual turnover.

Festival convener Chan Chak Mo said favorable weather and the city’s ongoing promotional campaigns helped boost foot traffic and spending.

He noted that local consumption incentives, along with multiple large-scale events held simultaneously, contributed to stronger results for participating merchants.

Many vendors also invested more in booth design and presentation, which Chan said helped create a more engaging atmosphere for visitors.

Chan observed that younger visitors continue to drive demand for creative food options. Drinks priced around MOP40–50 and pastries in the MOP30–40 range remained popular, with many customers prioritizing novelty over cost.

He added that overall business has returned to about 70% to 80% of pre-pandemic levels, though the festival previously included international exhibitors whose offerings were typically more expensive.

Post-pandemic editions have focused on local operators, and organizers have encouraged vendors to provide promotions such as late-evening bundle discounts to clear inventory, Chan remarked.

Meanwhile, the official said there are no immediate plans to reintroduce overseas participants, noting that many local small and medium-sized enterprises continue to face economic pressures.

Instead, the committee intends to maintain support for local businesses while rotating out 30 to 40 less-popular booths each year.

Preliminary discussions for next year include expanding performance programming and adding new attractions to enhance visitor appeal.

This year marked the festival’s first implementation of a full smoking ban inside the venue, a change Chan said was well received by families.

Only two violations were recorded over the entire event. Several long-time vendors also reported improved turnout, attributing the uptick to the participation of more young entrepreneurs and stronger spending from family groups.