QL Foods Sdn Bhd is a leading integrated surimi-based food manufacturer in Malaysia, renowned for its premium quality seafood and snack products. Headquartered in Hutan Melintang, Perak, QL Foods is a subsidiary of QL Resources Berhad, a multinational agro-food corporation listed on Bursa Malaysia.
History and Core Business
Established as part of QL Resources’ strategic expansion into value-added seafood processing, QL Foods has emerged as a pioneer in Malaysia's surimi-based product industry. The company operates a vertically integrated business model encompassing marine resource harvesting, processing, packaging, and export logistics.
With world-class manufacturing facilities compliant with international food safety standards, QL Foods has successfully positioned itself as a reliable OEM partner and brand owner, delivering products across the ASEAN region, East Asia, and the Middle East.
Product and Service Offerings
QL Foods offers a diverse range of surimi-based and seafood-derived food products categorized under the following:
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Surimi Products:
- Fish Balls
- Fish Cakes
- Crab Sticks
- Lobster Flavored Balls
-
Fish Snacks (IKA’s Brand):
- BBQ Flavour Fish Snack
- Hot & Spicy Flavour Fish Snack
- Original Flavour Fish Snack
-
Seafood Products (OceanRia Brand):
- Seafood Tofu
- Fish Sandwich
- King Crab Chunk
-
Mushroom Brand Products:
- Mushroom Fish Tofu
- Mushroom Seafood Tofu
These products are available in frozen, chilled, and ambient packaging formats for foodservice and retail segments. The company also offers OEM and private label services for international distributors.
Specialisation and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
QL Foods' unique value proposition lies in:
- Fully Integrated Production: Control over the entire value chain from raw material sourcing to finished goods.
- Product Consistency and Innovation: High-end R&D facilities support the continuous development of texture, flavor, and nutrition-enhanced surimi and seafood products.
- Premium Brands: Strong in-house brands including Mushroom, Suria, OceanRia, and IKA's hold significant market presence in Malaysia and abroad.
- Halal Compliance: JAKIM-certified Halal production to cater to Muslim consumers globally.
Financial Strength
QL Foods Sdn Bhd operates under QL Resources Berhad, a publicly traded company with a market capitalization exceeding RM 10 billion. The parent company reported revenue of RM 5.1 billion in FY2023, with the marine products segment contributing a significant share. This financial backing provides QL Foods with robust capital resources for expansion, R&D, and market penetration.
Shipment Records
Based on trade data:
- QL Foods has conducted over 2,000 export shipments to international markets in the last five years.
- Core export destinations include Japan, China, Singapore, Brunei, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
- Exported products include OEM crab sticks, retail-packed fish snacks, and surimi blocks.
- Products are shipped in reefer containers with cold chain assurance.
These records affirm QL Foods' strong logistics capability and consistent demand across global markets.
Target Market
QL Foods serves a broad customer base including:
- Supermarket chains and retail distributors
- Foodservice operators and HORECA clients
- Fast food and convenience food manufacturers
- OEM private label brands seeking surimi or seafood snack products
- Halal-focused markets and ethnic Asian food retailers
Their product adaptability and brand recognition allow penetration in both premium and mass market categories.
Capabilities
- Processing Plant: Fully automated facility equipped with freezing tunnels, cooking lines, and packaging units.
- Cold Chain Storage: On-site refrigerated warehouses ensuring integrity of perishable goods.
- R&D and Quality Control: In-house lab with microbiological and sensory testing capabilities.
- Certifications and Traceability: Full compliance with global food safety systems and product tracking protocols.
Certifications and Compliance
QL Foods complies with a comprehensive suite of global certifications:
- HACCP
- ISO 22000
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)
- Halal Certification (JAKIM)
- Veterinary Health Mark (VHM)
- FDA Registered (for U.S. exports)
These certifications ensure product acceptance in regulated and premium markets globally.
Customer Testimonials
Long-term customers highlight:
- Product reliability and consistent taste
- Responsive customer service and flexible OEM cooperation
- Trusted Halal and quality credentials for Muslim markets
- Efficient delivery and accurate documentation
These endorsements reinforce QL Foods’ reputation as a dependable global food supplier.
Major Achievements
- Export presence in over 20 countries
- Launched IKA’s branded fish snack line, now distributed in ASEAN and Middle Eastern supermarkets
- Developed proprietary surimi blends tailored for regional culinary tastes
- Successfully entered private label markets in Japan and South Korea
- Recognized for food innovation in national agro-food expos and trade awards
