Malaysian supermarket chain expands its reach

Teng says there is a misconception among shoppers that Jaya Grocer is expensive, as most of its products are imported.

About 15 years ago, going grocery shopping meant going to your neighbourhood supermarket to get all the essentials. Which was fine if all you wanted was vegetables, fruits and local essentials like belacan. But if you were looking for exotic cheese or jam or organic food, chances are you’d come up empty-handed.

But things have changed dramatically over the years. These days, the urban Kuala Lumpur grocery scape is peppered with premium supermarkets, all offering an eclectic range of local and imported produce to satiate the needs of well-travelled, well-heeled Malaysians as well as expatriates hankering after the foods of their homelands.