The Taiwanese dessert franchise Meet Fresh has taken direct control of its operations in Hong Kong, shifting accountability for significant pre-existing financial and legal liabilities to the former local management team and franchisees. Effective November 1, the brand’s Taiwan headquarters assumed oversight of franchise rights in the territory following months of severe operational turbulence and legal challenges, the company confirmed in a recent statement. This strategic transition aims to stabilize the brand’s presence in a critical Asian market while legally isolating the parent company from lingering debts.
Meet Fresh explicitly stated that all liabilities incurred before the November management handover—including substantial unpaid rent, salary arrears, and outstanding Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) contributions—are the sole responsibility of the previous local agent and its associated franchisees. The company emphasized that the Taiwan head office holds no accountability for these outstanding obligations. Since the takeover, the brand asserts that all local operations are being conducted in strict adherence to Hong Kong’s laws and regulatory requirements.
Financial Turmoil Preceded Corporate Intervention
The corporate realignment follows a protracted period of financial and structural instability for Meet Fresh in Hong Kong. Earlier this year, the chain faced rapid contraction, closing five outlets within a 10-week period.
Court records revealed that various subsidiary entities operating the different branch locations, sometimes under names such as “One Fresh” or “Next Step,” were the target of multiple rent recovery claims. Between January and July, these claims collectively mounted to nearly HK$5.7 million.
Adding to the financial distress, numerous employees reported significant issues regarding mandatory benefits. Staff alleged that the former management failed to remit MPF contributions for the months of June and July. There were also reports of delayed salary payments affecting workers.
Regulatory Action and Outstanding Employee Pay
Regulatory correspondence detailed the extent of the compliance breaches involving the mandatory retirement scheme. Earlier filings indicated Meet Fresh had not yet remitted approximately HK$5,000 in MPF contributions and surcharges for four employees, spanning the period of October through December 2024 (as per regulatory filings). This prompted the MPF Authority to take legal action on behalf of the affected workers at the Small Claims Tribunal.
More broadly, the chain had failed to pay around HK$300,000 in MPF contributions and surcharges covering roughly 140 employees for the two-month span of June and July 2025.
The headquarters, in its latest communication on December 5, reiterated the crucial demarcation date, confirming that all debts accrued before November 1 are the burden of the former operating team. The statement sought to assure the public and stakeholders that ongoing governance and compliance across all Hong Kong outlets are now under direct management by the Taiwan entity, signaling a commitment to regulatory adherence and operational stability moving forward.
Consumers and former employees affected by the previous management’s financial negligence are advised to monitor updates from the Small Claims Tribunal or consult with relevant labor authorities for information on settling outstanding payments or MPF contributions, which are now being legally separated from the new corporate structure.