Kawan Food Berhad : A Pioneering Excellence in the Frozen Food Delicacies in Asia
Established in 1970, Kawan Food Berhad has emerged as a notable figure in the frozen food industry, blending innovation with a commitment to quality. From its humble beginnings as a family-run business specializing in traditional pastries, Kawan Food Berhad has progressed into a well-recognized brand, renowned for its diverse product range and dedication to consumer satisfaction.
Recently, the Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL Network (FDMbySIAL) team conducted an in-depth interview with Derek Gan, Head of Sales at Kawan Food Berhad factory in Pulau Indah, exploring the company's journey, its principles, its forward-looking vision and its participation in FDM2024.
Mr Derek Gan, Head of Sales of Kawan Food Berhad
A Legacy of Innovation and Quality
Initially known as Kian Guan Trading, the company started by supplying homemade pastry products such as Kuih Bakul or known as Chinese New Year Gold Cake and Kulit Popiah or known as Spring Roll Pastry to local markets before expanding its reach to international market.
Despite the uncertainty of the frozen food market years ago, the chairman's ambitious vision propelled the company into the industry, marking a successful entry into this sector.
Today, Kawan Food Berhad has a portfolio of over 200 successful storekeeping units, exporting to more than 40 countries worldwide. Driven by a commitment to innovation and quality, Kawan Food Berhad continues to invest in state-of-the-art technologies to ensure the freshness and quality of its products.
"We believe frozen food is one of the best food preservation methods without preservative added into our food; offering food closest to its originality as much as possible," Derek explained.
Through a unique quick-freezing process and quality control measures, the company also upholds the highest standards of food safety, earning accolades such as the British Retail Consortium Global Standards Accreditation for Food Safety and JAKIM's Halal certification.
A Vision for the Future
Kawan Food consistently achieves excellent customer satisfaction due to its wide array of products and exceptional taste quality.
"We have full confidence in the quality and taste of our products. Each item is carefully prepared and maintained to preserve freshness and ensure they reach customers without prolonged storage. The products undergoes thorough tasting stages for approval from management and designated departments before launch, ensuring it meets Kawan Food's high standards before reaching the market," Derek explained.
Looking ahead, Kawan Food Berhad remains focused on growth and expansion. With sustainability and ethical practices at the forefront of its business model, the company strives to minimize its environmental impact. With that being said, Kawan Food has achieved a rating of 3.8 for FTSE's ESG practices in recent years as well.
Expectations at Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL 2024
Participation in Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL 2024 presents a strategic opportunity for Kawan Food Berhad to engage with industry professionals and showcase its latest innovations. With a focus on addressing the needs of hotel, restaurant, and catering operators, the company aims to introduce convenient and high-quality solutions that streamline operations and enhance customer satisfaction.
When asked about their involvement in trade shows, Derek highlighted, "We've attended SIAL Paris and SIAL China in Shanghai, and now we're thrilled to engage in the local market at Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL 2024. We look forward to connecting with industry professionals in the Hotel, Restaurant, and Catering sectors. FDM2024 provides us with the perfect platform to engage with our target audience.”
Leveraging FDM2024, Kawan Food plans to showcase its top products and unveil exciting launches like the Kawan Roti Dough Ball, enabling restaurants and hotels to serve crispy roti canai effortlessly, without the need for intricate setups.
As Kawan Food Berhad continues to innovate and thrive in the competitive F&B industry, one thing remains clear: its dedication to quality, taste, and customer satisfaction sets it apart as a true leader in the frozen food sector.
Stop by Kawan Food's booth at Food & Drinks Malaysia by SIAL 2024, taking place from 2nd to 4th July 2024, at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).
Interested to know more about Kawan Food? Check out their website at www.kawanfood.my
