Makan Bites brings Malaysian flavours to Europe, open to collaborations
11 Oct 2022 10:04am
Image for illustrative purposes only - 123RF
During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, the e-commerce platform www.makanbites.co.uk flourished and helped fans of Malaysian food continue to enjoy their favourite delicacies in the comfort of their homes.
Chief executive officer (CEO) Cheryl Ellron-Boulter said Makan Bites started its operations in November 2020 with 15 Malaysian products such as Maznah and the S2 brand.
The platform now exclusively offers 99 per cent Malaysian products including laksa paste, nasi lemak sambal cili paste, ayam petai beans, cuttlefish snack, peanut candy as well as a variety of beverages such as Milo, Aik Cheong Teh Tarik and Aik Cheong Kopi 2 in 1.
She said food products including cooking paste and other ingredients were not only targeted at Malaysians who are staying outside the country but also have huge potential to be another favourite Asian choice in the Europe market.
"When we first started, it was only Malaysians in the UK and Europe that purchased from us. Now, with more awareness, a lot more British people (locals) are more adventurous into trying Malaysian flavours,” she told Bernama in an exclusive interview.
Maznah products are gluten-free and suitable for vegetarians. Whereas S2 products are 100 per cent natural, a single ingredient, and also gluten-free and vegan friendly.
Currently, the S2 range of products is also sold via its German distributor which focuses on Germany, Austria and Switzerland which are German-speaking countries.
"We would like to grow and become the bridge connecting Malaysian suppliers and their products to the UK and Europe and perhaps even beyond.
"Malaysian travellers can find Malaysian products at Oriental Delight, Umrah Supermarket and Wah Yan Hong, to name a few,” she said.
The specialist Southeast Asian food importer also plans to expand its business into other areas including textiles, pharmaceuticals, and fashion.
"Business is growing at a steady pace, and this will be part of our future plans for business growth sustainability and long-term planning.
"I am open to collaborating with restaurants and supermarkets, we have a few events this year and a whole calendar year for next year at an established supermarket in London,” she said.
Cheryl said her company is also organising programmes and business forums for Malaysian suppliers to improve and close the gap in packaging, labelling, and understanding of the UK and European Union import food regulations, among others.
"We also monitor our understanding of consumer behaviour and the changes in the economy and how it can affect purchasing power.
"I believe the process of introducing new things in the Europe market cannot be rushed,” she said.
Makan Bites also participated in the International Food Exhibition (IFE), the UK’s largest food and drink event, in March this year.
"With the business growing, we target to double the amount we did last year,” she added. - BERNAMA
