18C Master Sdn Bhd, headquartered in Ipoh, Malaysia, is a prominent beverage manufacturing and foodservice solutions company known for its pioneering role in the bubble tea and plant-based food industry. Operating under the flagship brand 18CTEA, the company has grown from a local enterprise to an international exporter, providing a full suite of ingredients, equipment, and turnkey solutions for tea shops, cafes, and food retailers across Asia and beyond.
Company Overview
Founded in the early 2000s, 18C Master Sdn Bhd built its reputation as a one-stop provider for bubble tea ingredients, leveraging Malaysia’s strategic location and robust logistics networks. Through consistent innovation and a strong focus on B2B and OEM services, 18C Master has expanded its footprint to over 20 countries and introduced diversified product categories under multiple brand verticals.
Core Products and Specializations
18C Master serves the complete needs of the bubble tea and plant-based food sector through its integrated product ecosystem. Major offerings include:
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Bubble Tea Ingredients:
- Premium-grade Tapioca Pearls
- Real Fruit Syrups (Mango, Lychee, Passionfruit, etc.)
- Loose Leaf Tea Blends (Jasmine, Oolong, Earl Grey)
- Non-Dairy Creamers and Coconut Milk Powder
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Beverage Equipment:
- Fully automatic Sealing Machines
- Shaking Machines
- Commercial Blenders
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Plant-Based Foods:
- Soy-based Meat Substitutes (e.g., soy nuggets, tofu meat)
- Mushroom-based Snacks
- Organic Raw Nuts and Grains
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Retail Product Lines:
- DIY Bubble Tea Kits
- Ready-to-Drink Beverages
- Franchisable tea shop model via 18CTEA Mart
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
- Complete Turnkey Solutions: Offers end-to-end support including ingredient sourcing, equipment setup, training, and branding.
- OEM Customization: Flexible production for private labels with personalized flavor development.
- Halal Certified: Ensures suitability for Muslim-majority markets, a critical value in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
- Innovation-driven: In-house R&D lab continually releases new flavors and plant-based food formats.
Market Reach and Target Customers
18C Master caters primarily to:
- Tea Shop Chains
- Cafes and Dessert Bars
- Franchise Investors
- Foodservice Distributors
- Plant-Based Retailers
The company exports to more than 20 countries including:
- Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Singapore
- Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia
- Europe: Germany, UK
- Oceania: Australia, New Zealand
Financial and Growth Indicators
While full audited financials remain undisclosed, market insights and distributor feedback suggest:
- Annual revenue exceeding MYR 20 million (~USD 4.2 million) as of 2023
- Export revenue contributes approximately 55% of total sales
- Established over 120 franchise-linked tea bars under the 18CTEA Mart model
- Operates a 10,000 sq ft manufacturing and warehousing facility in Perak
Shipment and Export Metrics
According to public export records and import tracking platforms:
- Over 150 documented international shipments (2022–2024)
- Average shipment volume: 800–1,500 kg
- Top exported items: Tapioca Pearls, Syrups, Tea Leaves
- Private label partnerships account for 30% of total export value
Manufacturing and Capabilities
- Facility Certifications: GMP, HACCP, HALAL
- Production Lines: Separate automated lines for dry ingredients, wet ingredients, and equipment assembly
- In-house Branding Support: Graphic design, packaging, and social media content creation offered to franchise partners
- Training Hub: Operates a technical center for beverage preparation and barista certification
Certifications and Quality Standards
- HALAL Certified by JAKIM
- GMP Certified by Malaysian Ministry of Health
- HACCP Compliance for international food safety protocols
- SIRIM-certified machinery for sealing and blending equipment
Customer Testimonials
“Our café runs on 18CTEA ingredients – quality is top-notch and their team provides real business support.”
— Mr. Wong P., Tea Bar Owner, Singapore
“Their sealing machines and syrups are world-class. We’ve been with them for over 5 years.”
— Dana L., Dubai-based Distributor
Milestones and Achievements
- Awarded Top Beverage OEM Exporter (2022) by Malaysian Chamber of Food Industries
- Featured in Astro Awani’s SME Showcase for innovation in F&B tech
- Expanded into plant-based consumer market in 2021 with the launch of mushroom jerky and soy proteins
- Opened flagship concept store in Kuala Lumpur in 2023
- Official supplier to over 600 bubble tea outlets across Asia
With a strong foundation in manufacturing, a broad global distribution network, and a continuous drive for innovation, 18C Master Sdn Bhd remains a go-to choice for entrepreneurs and distributors looking to enter or scale within the premium bubble tea and plant-based food markets.
