KUCHING: Sarawak is set to welcome its first Gardenia bread production facility, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding today between the brand’s regional operator and a state-linked company to form Gardenia Bakeries (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd.
According to FMT, the agreement was signed by Kim Teck Cheong Consolidated Bhd (KTC), which holds exclusive rights to manufacture and distribute Gardenia products in Sabah, Sarawak, and Indonesia, and Sanjung Etika Sdn Bhd, the investment arm of Yayasan Sarawak.
The RM30 million plant will be located at the Samarahan Industrial Park and is projected to start operations in 2027, generating as many as 500 jobs over time.
Deputy Premier Dr Sim Kui Hian expressed support for the initiative, noting it will give residents access to freshly baked Gardenia bread made locally.
“We appreciate this development—once the factory is operational, people in Sarawak won’t need to rely on buying Gardenia loaves at KLIA before heading home,” he quoted as saying during the event.
The MoU was signed by KTC executive director Dexter Lau and managing director Lau Kok Sing, alongside Sanjung Etika representatives Hatta Solhi and Jolly Marikan.
Dexter shared that initial daily output is expected to reach around 6,000 loaves, though only about half will be made available for sale at launch to ensure consistent and stable production.
“Once we’re confident the entire process is running efficiently, we plan to scale up gradually to a daily capacity of 10,000 to 20,000 loaves,” he explained.
Distribution will be handled through established retail channels in Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, Miri, and other areas, rather than through standalone Gardenia stores.
“Our goal isn’t to compete with local retailers. Instead, we aim to support them by boosting sales, profits, and foot traffic in the bread section,” Dexter said.
He added that pricing for the Sarawak-made bread will match current levels in Sabah, helping consumers avoid the higher costs linked to imported products.
The local version will also feature special packaging incorporating the colours of Sarawak’s flag, with plans to introduce additional products tailored specifically for the state market.
