Iskandar halal park: Mamas MandM (M) Sdn Bhd, a company known for its range of sauces including chilli, tomato, oyster, and black pepper sauces, as well as vinegar and soy sauce, plans to expand its market reach to Cambodia by the middle of next year. This strategic move follows a positive reception in the Singapore market, which the company entered approximately six months ago.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the company's manager, P. Poobalan, revealed that Mamas MandM has received requests from Cambodia and is in the process of finalizing agreement documents. "It is highly likely that our products will be marketed there from the middle of next year," Poobalan stated during an interview at Iskandar Halal Park.
A native of Plentong, Johor, Poobalan emphasized that the company produces halal-certified products adhering to the Industry Responsible Food Safety (MeSTI) scheme and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards. The company targets RM3 million in sales this year, building on the momentum from RM2 million in sales last year, with current sales figures nearing this goal.
Among the company's high-demand products are its chilli sauce, oyster sauce, and sweet soy sauce. These, along with thick soy sauce, light soy sauce, and white vinegar, are supplied to the hotel, restaurant, and catering (HoReCa) sector through distributors and wholesalers in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Melaka, and Johor. Despite the competitive markets of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Poobalan believes that their products can compete by offering quality at affordable prices, ranging from RM14.50 to RM22.
Poobalan recounted the company's humble beginnings, starting with a home-based trading business in 1997 with RM300 in capital, eventually transitioning to small-scale production nine years later. Initially, sales were slow, but demand has since grown, with the company now producing about 30,000 bottles monthly, generating sales between RM200,000 and RM300,000.
To further diversify its offerings, Mamas MandM plans to introduce new products such as mayonnaise, nachos, and creamy sriracha sauce, while also exploring the development of rose syrup concentrate. The company is also adjusting its product sizes based on customer feedback, particularly from online sellers.
However, Poobalan highlighted challenges such as a shortage of packaging materials due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has affected supply chains. He explained that automation constraints limit the flexibility in changing packaging materials to meet demand.
The company benefits from support by SME Corporation Malaysia, which provided a RM60,000 grant last year for machinery upgrades. Additionally, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation aids in market expansion and product promotion, while the Johor Entrepreneur Corporation subsidizes participation costs for trade showcases like the Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS).