Product Offerings
Products:
Herbal Spices Mix: Original Flavor, Herbal Flavor, Pepper Flavor
All-Purpose Seasoning: Multipurpose seasoning suitable for various cooking styles
Ekee Food Industries Sdn Bhd is a Malaysia-based food manufacturer specializing in traditional Chinese herbal spice blends and all-purpose seasoning products. Established in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, the company has grown into a household name in the Malaysian seasoning market, known for its heritage-rich recipes and high-quality ingredients.
Company Background
Founded by Tan Boon Loong, Ekee Food Industries originated from a family-run Bak Kut Teh (herbal pork rib soup) shop, which evolved into a packaged spice and seasoning manufacturing business. The company began commercial operations in the early 2000s and has since expanded its product distribution across Malaysia and selected ASEAN markets.
With a focus on maintaining the authentic flavors of traditional Chinese cooking while embracing modern food safety standards, Ekee has developed a niche for itself in the ethnic foods segment, particularly in East Malaysia.
Core Product Categories
Herbal Spices Mix Series
- Original Flavor: The flagship product based on a traditional Bak Kut Teh herbal recipe.
- Herbal Flavor: A more medicinal and aromatic variation made with increased herbal content.
- Pepper Flavor: A spicy adaptation tailored to consumer demand for bolder flavors.
These mixes are designed for easy home preparation and professional kitchen use, particularly popular in hawker stalls and small eateries throughout Malaysia.
All-Purpose Seasoning
- A versatile, umami-rich blend ideal for stir-frying, marinating, and enhancing soups or gravies.
- Suitable for both meat and vegetable-based dishes.
Unique Selling Points
- Traditional Heritage Recipes: Derived from the founder’s original Bak Kut Teh formulations dating back decades.
- Made in Sabah: Differentiates the brand from Peninsular Malaysia-based spice companies.
- No Preservatives or Artificial Coloring: A clean-label approach that appeals to health-conscious consumers.
- Halal Compliance: Products are aligned with halal standards, broadening their appeal in Malaysia’s diverse market.
Manufacturing Capabilities
- Production Site: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
- Packaging Options: Consumer packs (80g – 150g), Horeca packs (500g – 1kg)
- Processing Equipment: Grinding, blending, automated packaging lines
- Daily Production Capacity: Up to 2 metric tons/day of spice and seasoning products
- Private Label Services: Available for regional distributors and retail chains
Market Presence and Distribution
- Retail Distribution: Available in over 500 grocery outlets across Sabah, Sarawak, and West Malaysia.
- Online Sales: Via platforms like Shopee and Lazada Malaysia.
- Export Footprint:
- Singapore and Brunei are primary export markets.
- Participation in trade fairs has initiated discussions with distributors in Indonesia and the UAE.
Export and Shipment Data
- Export records from platforms such as Volza and ImportYeti indicate:
- Over 120 shipments in the past three years.
- Primary export volume ranges from 15 to 20 metric tons/year.
- Estimated export revenue of USD 250,000–350,000/year, largely from spice mixes.
Target Market
- Home Cooks and Traditional Recipe Enthusiasts in Malaysia and Singapore.
- Chinese Restaurants and Hawker Stalls specializing in herbal soups and traditional cuisine.
- Halal-Compliant Ethnic Food Importers in neighboring ASEAN markets.
- Retailers and Supermarkets catering to the Chinese diaspora.
Certifications and Quality Compliance
- MeSTI (Malaysia Food Safety and Hygiene Certification)
- Compliance with Halal Standards (under process for JAKIM certification as of 2024)
- Ingredient sourcing includes locally grown herbs and imported Chinese medicinal plants.
Customer Testimonials
“The Ekee herbal mix brings my kitchen the taste of old Chinatown. We’ve used it for years in our restaurant.”
— Owner, Heritage Teochew Restaurant, Sarawak
“The pepper blend adds real depth to my soups—our customers now request it specifically.”
— Street Food Vendor, Kota Kinabalu
Brand Portfolio
- Ekee: Mainline brand for retail and Horeca packs.
- Eng Kee Bak Kut Teh: Original restaurant brand and legacy product line.
Trade Recognition
- Featured at Sabah International Food Expo (SIFE) in 2023 and 2024.
- Recognized as one of Sabah’s Top 10 Heritage Food Producers by SME Sabah Awards.
- Selected participant in MATRADE’s Export Readiness Program (2022 cohort).
Ekee Food Industries Sdn Bhd blends cultural authenticity with modern food safety to deliver nostalgic flavors to Malaysian and regional consumers. As the demand for ethnic and heritage-based food products continues to grow, Ekee is well-positioned to scale its operations and expand its export footprint across Asia and beyond.