From Oil and Gas to Soft-Drink Success: Rosniza’s Journey with Zeeper
A Fortunate Career Move
MANJUNG: Rosniza Saaiddin, the owner of a carbonated drink business, has never regretted her decision to leave her 15-year career in the oil and gas industry to go into the soft-drink business.
From Alif to Zeeper
Leaving the workforce in 2013 allowed her to start her "Alif" brand of carbonated drinks with RM30,000 in capital that year. She then took over her husband’s small enterprise and opted to change the brand name to the more commercial-sounding "Zeeper".
Early Years of Growth
"For three years, we slowly moved forward," she said, adding that her career move was fortuitous in that she was able to simultaneously manage her household and care for her children. Rosniza, 47, shared that she used up her savings and had to sell other assets, including cars, to expand the business. All in all, over RM300,000 was spent in those early years.
A Family Affair
Her husband, Abdul Rahman Basri, helped immensely in the first year of the business, from brewing water to packaging drinks. Rosniza’s own prior experience in the food and beverage field proved beneficial, and she further attended classes and courses to improve her skills.
Support from Mardi and Fama
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) assisted her with analytical services, while the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) provided marketing assistance.
Unique Selling Points
While there are many carbonated drinks in the market, Rosniza is confident of what makes her products unique. "Zeeper carbonated drinks are produced using nine types of filtered water, with alkaline water at a pH level of 9.5, and lower sugar and gas content compared to others in the market," she said.
Product Lineup
Her company currently offers 11 flavors, including orange, strawberry, sarsaparilla, cola, apple, grape, cream soda, blue soda, and fruits, with soursop and agarwood cola as the latest. They are also in the process of producing tamarind water and isotonic drinks.
Expansion Plans
The drinks, which come in two sizes – 1.25 liters priced at RM2.80, and 320ml priced at RM1.50 – are currently available in selected supermarkets. "We also supply to cooperatives, petrol stations, and entrepreneurs who are interested in becoming Zeeper agents or distributors," she said.
International Presence
Zeeper products are already available in the international market – specifically Ireland and Singapore – via agents in both countries. "Although we already have products overseas, my main focus is on expansion in the domestic market," Rosniza noted. "We are working to ensure every one of our products is available in every retail store."
Conclusion
Rosniza’s journey from oil and gas to soft-drink success is a testament to her determination and hard work. With her unique products and expansion plans, Zeeper is set to make a splash in the domestic market.
FAQs
Q: What makes Zeeper carbonated drinks unique?
A: Zeeper carbonated drinks are produced using nine types of filtered water, with alkaline water at a pH level of 9.5, and lower sugar and gas content compared to others in the market.
Q: How many flavors does Zeeper currently offer?
A: Zeeper currently offers 11 flavors, including orange, strawberry, sarsaparilla, cola, apple, grape, cream soda, blue soda, and fruits, with soursop and agarwood cola as the latest.
Q: What are your plans for expansion?
A: Our products will be sold at 14 petrol stations throughout peninsular Malaysia by next year. We are also planning to market non-carbonated Zeeper to school cooperatives in 2025.