SHANGHAI: DSR Taiko Bhd
is ramping up efforts to capture the vast China market by leveraging the ongoing Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS)@Shanghai, held in conjunction with the China International Import Expo (CIIE) here, with a bold sales target of RM100 million over the next 12 to 24 months.
Chief executive officer Datuk Ng Lian Poh said the integrated durian producer, which is listed on the LEAP Market of Bursa Malaysia Securities, recorded RM6 million in sales from the China market last year.
"We are using the platform provided by MIHAS@Shanghai, organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), to propel Musang King across China.
"Chinese consumers adore Musang King. It practically sells itself. Interestingly, they prefer ready-to-eat processed items over fresh durians due to convenience and the milder aroma, which appeals to a wider audience as not everyone can handle the full durian scent,” he told Bernama today.
Ng said the company, which currently manages 50.18 hectares of Musang King orchards, is shifting its focus from fresh fruit to value-added products in three key categories, namely beverages, snacks and desserts.
Its star exports include ice cream, coffee, teh tarik and a newly launched individually packed pizza.
He said the company has appointed agents in key provinces including Guangxi, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Fujian (Xiamen), with Nanning serving as the launchpad.
"There are currently six physical outlets comprising kiosks and Malaysia Iconic Stations, including one at Nanning’s railway station and three in Hangzhou, with another slated to open in Shanghai next month,” Ng said.
Further expansion is planned across additional provinces, anchored by a Durian Fest in Nanning on Nov 21 to boost visibility and direct sales.
"The past few years have been dedicated to product development in Malaysia. Now we are export-ready and targeting 70 per cent of our revenue from overseas markets, especially value-added goods.
"Demand in China has always outstripped supply, and we are now scouting for mature orchards over 15 years old to scale up production,” he said.
The company’s international footprint already covers Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, Canada and Australia, but China remains its top priority due to its market scale and growth potential. - Bernama
